The Bureau of Customs (BoC), marked its 123rd founding anniversary, as the country’s vanguard on trade facilitation, as the agency strengthened its role as a key trade regulator and advanced efficient and secure customs administration in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision to implement transformative reforms.
During the commemoration of International Customs Day last month, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the bureau has been at the forefront of various efforts, steering the BoC towards a modern, transparent, and responsive customs administration.
In his message, he emphasized the BoC’s relentless drive for customs modernization and innovation.
He stated, “As we celebrate this special occasion, let us avow our devotion to modernization and innovation. Together, we shall ensure that customs service remains resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking, making way for a better future.”
The agency, in 2024, has reinforced supply chain stability and partnerships, exemplified by the establishment of the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC).
As of 30 November 2024, the Central CICAC had grown to 59 member organizations while the district level expanded to 122 members.
Border protection
In terms of border protection, in the first 9 months of 2024, the BoC confiscated a total of P84.36 billion worth of smuggled goods, attesting that they are doing their job to strengthen border protection within the country’s boundaries.
As reported by the Department of Finance, it said that among the top seized commodities are counterfeit goods, various commodities, cigarettes, e-cigarettes/vape products, vehicles and accessories and illegal drugs.
The latest seizure that the BoC was the motor tanker and several lorry trucks carrying smuggled fuel worth P128 million on 4 February, led by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (MICP), with the support of the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) Task Force Aduana and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Batangas at the Subukin Port in San Juan.
The raiding team seized a total of 217,000 liters of smuggled diesel.
Rubio said the seizing of the motor tanker and the lorry trucks was made possible because of the “swift and decisive” action of the BoC as it received derogatory information about the vessels.
“Our team effort resulted from the collaboration of our agency and other relevant government departments. The illegal and fraudulent entry of smuggled fuel and the paihi system hurt not only our legitimate fuel distributors but more so our consumers, the Filipino people because unmarked fuel puts them at risk and hazard,” he said.
“This is a critical and significant seizure because we need to make sure, as the agency at the forefront of border patrol, that only tested and safe fuel gets to our markets,” the commissioner added.
Digitization creates leverage
Also, the BoC was able to attain a digitalization rate of 97 percent with the implementation of three new systems in 2024, namely the Overstaying Cargo Tracking System, the Enhanced e-Travel System, and the ATA Carnet Monitoring.
From January to November 2024, the BoC likewise disposed of a total of 305 overstaying containers.
This resulted in revenue generation of P166.301 million from the public auction of 146 containers of assorted goods.
Meanwhile, 16 Collection Districts, three sub-ports, and five stand-alone BoC offices were awarded ISO 9001:2015 Certification as of the end of November 2024.
This reflects the Bureau’s continued adherence to the stringent quality management standards set by the ISO.
As part of the BoC’s monitoring efforts and post-evaluation of importers and brokers, the Bureau revoked the accreditation of 48 importers and customs brokers.
From January to November 2024, the BoC filed a total of 81 criminal complaints against importers and customers in violation of the provisions stipulated in the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. Of which, the BoC secured seven criminal convictions.
Collections rise
On the other hand, the BoC successfully collected P220.77 billion in taxes under the Fuel Marking Program, which translated to 18.23 billion liters marked as of 30 November 2024.
To safeguard against abuse of warehousing privileges and prevent potential revenue leakage, the BoC also intensified its inspection of Customs Bonded Warehouses and Customs Common Bonded Warehouses and ordered the closure of 14.
Furthermore, a total of 75 scanning machines of various types are now operational in all international airports nationwide, significantly enhancing the Bureau’s detection capabilities and ensuring more efficient and accurate inspections.
In addition, 34 scanners were distributed across various seaports.
