PCCI seeks repeal of BOC rule on stuffing of containers

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is seeking the repeal of the Bureau of Custom’s stuffing policy as this increases the cost of doing business.

In a statement, PCCI president Alfredo Yao said that while the group appreciates the intent of the stuffing policy, there is a need to further study its implementation.

The stuffing policy requires BOC personnel to monitor the stuffing of containers in factories or warehouses to ascertain the legitimacy of  exporters as part of the risk management system being developed for exports.

Yao said that further study is needed as there are not enough BOC personnel to implement the policy.

He also said the policy does not help the country’s small and medium exporters become competitive given the additional costs incurred.

“Our exporters pay for additional costs of the transport, accommodations and meals of Customs staff,” he said.

While waiting for BOC staff, exporters also incur additional costs such as rent for the use of warehouses and extra charges for trucks.

“Small exporters have not factored in the costs of this new Customs policy in their export contracts,” Yao said. 

“This BOC policy exposes our exporters to penalties of as much as 10 per cent on the first day of delayed shipments,” Yao said. 

“Worse, our exporters lose the next sale because buyers prefer to order from reliable suppliers,” he said further.

The PCCI is the country’s largest business organization.