BOC sees ‘full implementation’ of AEO program

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) under acting commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz, expect to fully implement its ‘Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program that is seen to be a “key driver” for a stronger ‘Customs-to-Business Partnership under a secure, transparent and predictable trading environment.

In a statement, the BOC said it is now in the last stage of preparing the AEO Operations Manual after its Interim AEO Office attended a 2-day ‘Writeshop’ beginning on September 6, 2022 in partnership with the International Trade Center (ITC) through the ‘ARISE Plus Philippines Project and the BOC Project Team for Strengthened Trade Facilitation Capacity Building.

The AEO program, Ruiz noted, “offers an opportunity for us to share our security responsibilities with the private sector, while at the same time providing them with a competitive advantage through additional facilitation benefits.”

The drafting of the manual is in line with the efforts of the Bureau to improve the AEO organizational structure, set up information-sharing mechanisms in discussing mutual recognition arrangements, and institutionalize validation, screening, and evaluation trainings for the AEO officials.

The AEO also has the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) of which the Philippines, thru the BOC, is also a long time member.

During the Writeshop, Dennis C. Pantastico, ITC AEO National Expert, discussed the recommendations identified in the Year 1 assessment report on the Philippine AEO Program, including the national practices, challenges, and opportunities towards an efficient and dynamic AEO Program in the Philippines.

A breakout session was conducted to help support the three core units of the BOC AEO Office namely Accreditation Unit, Post Validation Unit, and the Mutual Recognition, Statistical and Records Management Unit to detail the procedures of each unit, create its communication plan, and discuss benefits and strategies to fully implement the AEO Program.

BOC AEO assessors also shared their experiences and learnings from a series of on-site AEO Joint Validation activities under the ASEAN AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AAMRA) conducted earlier this year– in Indonesia from July 5-6, Thailand from August 8-9, and Malaysia from August 17-18.

NAIA prepares for cargo influx

Meanwhile, Port of NAIA district collector, Carmelita ‘Mimel’ Talusan, said they have already conducted “coordination meetings” with Customs Facility and Warehouse (CFW) operators to prepare for the anticipated influx of inbound parcels and packages this coming holiday season.

On September 13, 2022, Talusan said she has already met with DHL officials to discuss arrangements for the expeditious release of high volumes of small parcels coming in during the so-called, ‘Ber’ months (September to December).

DHL Express Philippines Country Manager Nigel Lockett, Head of Operations Promod George, Customs Clearance Manager Cecilia Paras, and other BOC NAIA chiefs also attended the meeting.

Talusan said she was assured by DHL officials that they are reviewing their roster to add more personnel while continuously coordinating with her office for the prompt and immediate processing and release of inbound parcels and packages from abroad.

Talusan said that her port is “ready” and had already placed “proactive measures” to address anticipated issues and concerns, including but not limited to implementing extended working hours, 24/7 x-ray examinations, regular K9 sweepin, and expedited clearances to avoid delays.