BOC hopes to complete ‘single window’ project this yr

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs is hoping to complete the national single window (NSW) network project this year to comply with the country’s commitment to become part of the Asean Single Window by 2015.

The Asean single window is an initiative among Asean member countries to establish electronic windows that would facilitate international trade and investment through fast clearance by the BOC.

BOC Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon said the agency is now working on the second phase of the NSW project to integrate data and services into a single portal where around 40 government regulatory agencies are connected to a network linked to the BOC’s system.

The NSW allows electronic transfer of data and documents relevant to the processing of imports between the partner agencies, thus making it easier for traders to  transact business with the government.  It eliminates the need for importers to bring documents from the regulatory agencies such as import permits and clearances, the processing of which usually adds to the time and cost shouldered by businesses.

Biazon noted that the system  lessens the opportunities for graft since transfer of information is electronic.  It also prevents the use of forged or recycled permits and clearances, a practice observed under the system of physical document submission.

As part of goal to fully automate its operations, the BOC plans to integrate the NSW with its electronic to mobile or E2M system, which computerized the customs clearance process. With the syste, importers lodge their entries electronically and the processing including payment is automated.

The BOC also plans to strengthen the risk management and selectivity system, which eliminates the need for the time consuming physical examination of cargoes, which leads to port congestion and the slow down of customs clereance processing, Biazon said.

Biazon said his goal to fully computerize and modernize BoC’s operations to curb smuggling and corruption.

The BOC is also pushing for the immediate passage of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, which will bring the Philippines at par with with global customs administration standards.

The proposed measure already passed the House of Representatives but remains pending in the Senate.  It is designed to enhance the government’s collection of taxes and duties and promote faster, efficient and transparent trade transactions.