In order to process all importers and customs brokers seeking Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) accreditation by the July 31 deadline set by the Department of Finance (DOF), the agencies would have to work double time.
Based on infographics released by the BOC on July 24, the agency along with the BIR would have to accommodate a total of 1,614 daily applications from that day until the July 31 deadline (weekend not included). Of the total, 436 would have to be received by the BIR and 1,178 by the BOC.
This compares with the 145 average daily application received by the BIR and 173 by the BOC for the period covering July 1-18.
In February, the DOF required all importers and customs brokers to undergo a two-tier accreditation process, first with the BIR to secure either the importer clearance certificate (ICC) or broker clearance certificate (BCC) and then the BOC so that the importer or customs broker can transact with the bureau.
As of March 2014, there were 14,995 registered and active importers and brokers. Of those, 76.8% or 11,511 have applied with the BIR for their ICC or BCC as of July 18 but only 37.2% or 5,575 have gone on to secure renewal of BOC accreditation (from May-July 18, 2014).
The customs agency earlier reminded importers and brokers to file for accreditation as soon as possible since the July 31 deadline will no longer be extended. Previously, the deadline had been extended by one month (until June 30) to give importers and brokers ample time to process their applications.
BOC deputy commissioner for Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group Atty. Agaton Teodoro Uvero said the agency will give importers and brokers previously registered under the Client Profile Registration System 30 days before deleting them from the system, after which they will no longer be allowed to import.
The expected surge in applications on the homestretch is being attributed to the slow and tedious accreditation process which have prevented importers and brokers from promptly applying but also to the Filipino penchant for doing things at the very last minute. – Roumina Pablo
Image courtesy of scottchan/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net
