-
The Bureau of Customs celebrated its 123rd anniversary with a focus on dynamic stakeholder engagement, emphasizing collaboration to enhance the agency’s commitment to trade facilitation, transparency, and border security
-
The partnerships aim to streamline processes, reduce corruption, and enhance ease of doing business
-
Stakeholders welcomed these advancements, recognizing their role in boosting economic growth and global trade
-
The BOC also stressed the importance of active engagement with private sector partners, and national and international organizations to address challenges and create a business-friendly environment
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) celebrated its 123rd anniversary with a focus on dynamic stakeholder engagement, emphasizing collaboration to enhance the agency’s commitment to trade facilitation, transparency, and border security.
The partnerships aim to streamline processes, reduce corruption, and enhance ease of doing business. Stakeholders welcomed these advancements, recognizing their role in boosting economic growth and global trade.
The BOC also stressed the importance of active engagement with private sector partners, and national and international organizations to address challenges and create a business-friendly environment.
And under Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio’s leadership and his 5-Point Priority Agenda — Digitalizing Customs Processes, Surpassing Collection Targets, Simplifying Procedures and Facilitating Secured Trade, Combating Smuggling in All Forms, and Promoting Employee Welfare and Development — the agency’s transformation and modernization are well underway.
We look back at the 2024 highlights under these five flagship programs:
Digitalization
Digitalization is at the forefront of the agency’s efforts to modernize and streamline customs processes.
Key initiatives under the digitalization program in 2024 include:
- OSTracker: A system providing real-time updates and comprehensive reports on overstaying cargo and containers across all ports for better management.
- ATA Carnet Monitoring System: A centralized database enhancing transparency and efficiency in tracking vouchers for the ATA Carnet, enabling duty- and tax-free temporary import/export of goods.
- Enhanced e-Travel System: A simplified passenger clearance process using a single QR code for travel requirements, including a seaport/cruise form.
In addition, the bureau continues to advance the National Single Window (NSW) system by supporting the onboarding of four Trade Regulatory Government Agencies (TRGAs).
Revenue Collection
Preliminary figures for the fiscal year 2024 show P931.046 billion in revenue collection, a 4.6% increase from P890.446 billion in 2023 or an additional P40.600 billion, highlighting the BOC’s commitment to efficiency and excellence.
The collection of these customs duties and taxes help fund public services, infrastructure, and socio-economic programs, supporting the country’s economy.
By reaching and even exceeding its revenue targets, the Philippines’ second biggest revenue collection agency aids national development through the exercise of efficient collection, accurate valuation, strict monitoring of goods, and digital innovation in trade facilitation.
In support of Executive Order 62 (Modifying the Nomenclature and Rates of Import Duty on Various Products), BOC cut tariffs on imported rice and expanded zero-import duty provisions on electric vehicles, ensuring affordability while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Making up for foregone duties, the BOC boosted its collections from non-traditional sources, including post-clearance audits and the Prior Disclosure Program, contributing significantly to revenue growth.
Trade Facilitation
The BOC last year implemented measures and collaborated with stakeholders to enhance trade facilitation, reducing delays and costs.
On February 2, 2024, the BOC launched the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC), a platform for collaboration between the agency and its trade industry partners. CICAC is designed to address customs issues effectively, promoting an integrated trade facilitation approach. Central CICAC has now grown to 59 members, while the district member organizations have expanded to 122, demonstrating widespread participation and commitment. Over the same period, eight meetings were conducted to discuss critical matters and gather member insights.
READ: BOC to create multi-industry advisory groups
Another significant initiative is the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program, which represents a customs-to-business partnership that seeks to enhance international supply chain security and facilitate movement of legitimate goods. Companies accredited under the program will be recognized as trusted allies by the BOC and entitled to various benefits depending on their accreditation level. Five companies have been accredited under the AEO Philippines while 18 other companies have expressed interest in joining the program.
A milestone was the collaboration with Hong Kong Customs, enhancing international cooperation and compliance with global trade standards. The BOC and Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department in June 2024 conducted a joint validation visit to pave the way for the signing of the mutual recognition agreement between the two parties under their AEO programs.
To strengthen the country’s trade environment, the BOC introduced policies such as CMO No. 02-2024 (CICAC), CMO No. 08-2024 (ATA Carnet System), and CMO No. 11-2024 (Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement) in 2024.
The BOC has also enhanced its global presence through active participation in international forums while partnering with key agencies to streamline trade and address national issues.
Anti-Smuggling Drive
The BOC deployed advanced enforcement strategies, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and fostering strong interagency cooperation in order to uphold vigilance throughout the year.
These efforts have led to significant success in intercepting contraband, securing trade, and protecting government revenue.
Key actions included the issuance of 72 Letters of Authority and 85 Alert Orders, authorizing inspections of suspected smuggled goods at various ports and locations.
Last year, the bureau also seized illicit goods worth P85.167 billion through 2,116 anti-smuggling operations.
The most seized items were counterfeit goods, followed by multiple various commodities, cigarettes/tobacco/vape products, vehicles and accessories/vessels, and illegal drugs.
These efforts demonstrate the BOC’s commitment to safeguarding public health, fair competition, and the market from prohibited goods.
Personnel Development Programs
The BOC has invested heavily in manpower, its most important asset. This it did by implementing programs to build a skilled, adaptable workforce ready to meet public and stakeholder needs.
In 2024, the bureau emphasized wellness through 8,193 healthcare consultations, hired 315 new employees, and promoted 222 personnel to enhance organizational performance in the workplace.
Under Commissioner Rubio’s leadership, the BOC has received awards for excellence in public service, efficiency, and leadership, reflecting its contributions to national development, trade improvement, and public welfare.
Prioritizing the fight against corruption, the BOC partnered with the World Customs Organization for a five-day mission from September 23-27, 2024 that focused on analyzing internal corruption risks and ways of mapping it out. The initiative, conducted under the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, and supported by the United Kingdom’s His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, aimed to further strengthen the BOC’s anti-corruption and integrity measures.
With support from international experts, the initiative enhanced strategies to improve governance, transparency, and accountability. By strengthening controls and risk detection, the BOC aims to prevent corruption and maintain ethical operations.
READ: BOC’s 123rd supplement
(Photos for this supplement courtesy of the Bureau of Customs.)
