SunStar
+ January 24, 2021 THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) recorded significant strides in its priority goals for 2020, topped by the full automation of its frontline transactions and a 100-percent accomplishment rate on its target to modernize the agency’s risk management processes despite the operational challenges posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
In a statement Sunday, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III congratulated the BOC led by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero on its achievements in 2020, especially on its efforts to employ digital tools to automate its operations, curb smuggling, and further improve its delivery of services to the public.
Guerrero said the BOC reached its 100-percent accomplishment rate on fully automating its frontline services by allowing the online submission of documents through its Customer Care Portal System, upgrading its electronic-to-mobile (E2M) system to computerize manual processes, and acce
MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO
The bureau said it achieved a 100 percent accomplishment rate on its mission to improve measures against illicit trade under its 10-Point Priority Program for 2020 aimed at strengthening border security.
Various projects to improve the risk management system of the bureau were implemented.
Under the 10-Point Priority Program for 2020, the bureau, through its Risk Management Office (RMO), conducted the enhancement of the Selectivity System in the Universal Risk Management System (URMS) in which a new color lane was activated in September 2020; the enabling of Information Technology capabilities for a more efficient targeting or profiling; and the strengthening of RMO with the operationalization of its units such as Risk Assessment Unit, the Research and Analysis Unit, and the Strategic Assessment Unit.
Bureau of Customs (MANILA BULLETIN)
Among the recent measures implemented by the BoC is the creation of the Covax Importation Unit responsible for coordinating with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and other concerned agencies on matters relating to COVID-19 vaccines.
The One-Stop-Shop at the Port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) also ensures the speedy processing and release of approved vaccines, personal protective equipment, medical supplies, and other goods essential in the fight against COVID-19, provided that all regulated goods are compliant with the required permits.
The agency said it is also expecting an increase in the volume of importation of processed and canned meat products and pork products following the issuance of Executive Order 123, which extends the five percent tariff on imports of mechanically-deboned meat (MDM) of chicken and turkey until the end of 2021.