THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) said that it should not be blamed alone for the delay in the release of cargoes or shipments from the different ports.
Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon explained that factors arising from other entities contribute to transaction delays that deprive importers and the BOC of more revenue.
The other offices include the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI), and International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) as in-charge of port operation, cargo handling and tracking, and port development.
"Only 6 percent of the importation process is under the control of Customs, and the rest are controlled by other regulatory offices. Customs is only responsible with the assessment and collection of revenue, cargo inspection and clearance, and border protection," he said.
He added that the public needs to know that the BOC does not have the authority to regulate goods that enter the port. If the required documents and permits are submitted, he said, BOC is obliged to release shipments.
Faeldon also cited the issues on the shipment capacity of ICTSI and ATI, which cause delays in the transaction of commodities. According to him, the actual capacity of ATI's container ports is only one shipment per day, while ICTSI can only cover a maximum of six shipments in a day.
He added that these are not controlled by BOC, because PPA oversees port operations -- including cargo handling and port development/maintenance -- of these two private entities.
Apart from these, Customs was also given limited working space, thus constraining the area for inspection.
Faeldon vowed to discuss the issue with concerned agencies.
He added that he also wants demurrage to be removed.
But he explained that the Customs has no power and control over PPA, and that demurrage and other penalties due to delay in loading or unloading of shipments may only be removed through an Executive Order.
Faeldon said he also wants to pursue a National Single Window (NSW) system wherein the 54 regulatory offices that facilitate trade will work into one window system. But there is no law that requires these offices to participate in the proposed system.
"How can I force them to participate now if there is no law that requires them to?" he explained.
He likewise encouraged stakeholders to help convince the 54 regulatory offices to adhere and cooperate in this proposed system. (SDR/Sunnex)