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The Bureau of Customs is targeting revenue collections of P959 billion this year, 9.7% higher than its 2023 target
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The target is also 8.5% more than last year’s P883.624 billion actual collection
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The implementation of the Enhanced Value Reference Information System as well as an ICT-enabled clearance system for express shipments are part of the agency’s strategies to boost collection
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BOC is also drafting an order for the processing of cross-border e-commerce shipments to prevent revenue leakages
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is targeting revenue collections of P959 billion this year, 9.7% higher than its 2023 target of P874.166 billion.
The target is also 8.5% more than last year’s P883.624 billion actual collection.
The implementation of the Enhanced Value Reference Information System as well as an ICT-enabled clearance system for express shipments are part of the agency’s strategies to boost collection, Customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said during a recent visit to the agency by newly-appointed Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.
BOC is an agency under the Department of Finance along with the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
The e-VRIS, launched in 2020, serves as BOC’s database of reference values and provides for a look-up table of identical and similar entries from where appraisers can select the values of identical or similar entries when the shipment for valuation is rejected under Method 1 of the Customs valuation system.
READ: BOC rolls out new database for reference values
The e-VRIS allows the automated flagging of potentially undervalued goods, or goods whose declared values fall below the minimum range.
Aside from the e-VRIS, Rubio said BOC is also working on implementing an ICT-enabled clearance system for express shipments and has drafted a customs administrative order (CAO) for the processing of cross-border e-commerce shipments.
On January 25, BOC released the draft CAO on the clearance process for cross-border e-commerce goods bought via online shopping platforms.
READ: BOC drafts e-commerce clearance rules, seeks stakeholders’ input
An online public consultation on the proposed policy is set on February 1.
In addressing the issue of smuggling, Rubio said BOC will strengthen border control by collaborating with other law enforcement agencies for coordination and information sharing against the entry of illicit goods, contraband, drugs, and high-value commodities that pose a threat against the agency’s revenue collection performance.
Additionally, BOC said it will fully implement the National Customs Intelligence System (NCIS), a secure data warehouse for intelligence information from various units of the customs bureau.
READ: National Customs Intelligence System implemented
Launched in 2022 and officially implemented in December 2023, NCIS provides a database to generate actionable intelligence information, and support case build-up, risk profiling, and analysis.
In facilitating trade, BOC plans to continue streamlining and digitizing customs processes. BOC has so far digitalized 161 out of 166 customs processes, or a 96.99% digitalization rate.
Rubio also emphasized the importance of the online-based Customs Customer Care Portal in reducing face-to-face transactions and promoting transparency.
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