Customs to importers: No extension of accreditation deadline

MANILA, Philippines – Some 10,000 brokers and importers will no longer be able to transact with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) if they fail to meet the deadline for accreditation on July 31, the agency warned on Thursday, July 17.

The deadline had been postponed from June 30 and “will no longer be extended,” said Customs Commissioner John Sevilla.

As of July 11, BOC said only 5,000 or 33% of importers and brokers have applied for accreditation. Importing goods in the Philippines requires accreditation from the Customs. The agency is tracking import entries through its Client Profile Registration System (CPRS).

“We strongly urge brokers and importers to get accreditation or they will lose their ability transact with Customs,” said Sevilla.

To apply for accreditation, the following documents must be submitted.

For importers:

1. Completely filled-out and Notarized Application Form
2. BOC Official Receipt evidencing payment of Application Fee
3. Certified True Copy of BIR Importer Clearance Certificate or proof of application
4. Corporate Secretary’s Certificate, Special Power of Attorney or Partnership Resolution for designated signatories in the import entries, with sample original signatures
5. Original copy of NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) Clearance of the Applicant issued within three (3) months prior to the date of application
6. Two (2) valid government-issued IDs with picture of the applicant; latest General Information Sheet; Personal Profile of the applicant
7. Company profile with pictures of the offices and/or warehouse premises; printed CPRS profile of applicant and updated email notification of “STORED” CPRS Profile; and previous Certificate of Accreditation

For brokers:

1. Completely filled-out and Notarized Application Form
2. BOC Official Receipt evidencing payment of Application Fee
3. Certified True Copy of BIR Broker Clearance Certificate or proof of application
4. Original copy of NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) Clearance of the Applicant issued within three (3) months prior to the date of application
5. Two (2) valid government-issued IDs with picture of the applicant
6. Updated Professional Profile; valid Professional Regulation Commission ID
7. Updated list of clients with complete address and contact details
8. List of Authorized representative/s with complete personal profile, photo, contact details and specimen signatures
9. Company profile with pictures of the offices and/or warehouse premises; printed CPRS profile of applicant and updated email notification of “STORED” CPRS Profile
10. Previous Certificate of Accreditation.

In March, BOC suspended 70 importers and 46 brokers on violations of Customs rules and regulations. Among the suspended importers were some of the country’s notable companies such as Globe Telecom, as well as those allegedly involved in rice smuggling. – Rappler.com