Customs: Only 63% of importers, brokers are accredited

MANILA, Philippines – Only 63% of registered importers and brokers applied for Customs accreditation, even as the deadline was extended twice, the Department of Finance-Bureau of Customs (DOF-BOC) said in a Tax Watch ad released Wednesday, August 13.

Only 11 applied before the original deadline of May 21. Another 3,377 applied when the deadline was extended to June 30, and 6,030 applied when it was extended to July 31.

From the original until the final deadline, a total of 9,418 or 63% of importers and brokers applied for accreditation.

There were 14,995 importers and brokers registered with the BOC’s Client Profile Registration System (CPRS) before the July 31 deadline.

All brokers and importers who would like to bring in goods to the Philippines must be accredited with the BOC. The accreditation will allow them to be registered in the CPRS, enabling them to file import entries.

The new rules of accreditation aim to close the loopholes in importation procedures as part of the government’s efforts to stop smuggling activities.

It mandates a simpler two-pronged policy in getting accreditation. First is applying for Importer Clearance Certificate (ICC) or the BIR Broker Clearance Certificate (BCC).

The ICC or BCC shall then be presented to the BOC-Account Management Office as part of the requirements for the BOC accreditation. This constitutes the second or final phase of the accreditation process.

The new process of accreditation was mandated by the Department of Finance via two Department Orders: DO No. 12-2014 released last February 6, 2014 and DO 18-2014 issued last February 26, 2014.

Apply as ‘new applicant’

The DOF-BOC ad said that importers and brokers who applied for BIR certificate would have automatically been granted provisional BOC accreditation.

The Tax Watch ad said that 5,557 or 37% of importers and brokers did not apply on time for the certificate even with a “simpler” application process.

There is reprieve though. The DOF-BOC ad said those who did not apply for the certificate could still do so as “new applicants.”

“However, no provisional accreditations will be granted.”

“Accreditation reform is crucial to curb smuggling and leveling the playing field for legitimate traders,” the ad emphasized.  – Rappler.com