BOC creates body to solve trade woes

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has established an advisory council that aims to address trade bottlenecks and enhance trade facilitation among importers and business groups amid a changing global environment.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio has issued a memorandum order creating the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) to facilitate regular consultations between the government and its stakeholders.

The consultative body between BOC and the business-industrial sector targets to address existing and potential issues.

Right now, prices of commodities in the world market remain high due to still elevated interest rates, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in several countries.

There are also supply woes amid export bans.

The Red Sea crisis is also proving to be a concern as this makes shipping costs 15 percent more expensive and adds 10 days for the exchange of goods between Europe and Asia.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development earlier warned of increasing disruptions in global trade due to geopolitical tensions and the impact of climate change on vital trade routes.

Rubio said CICAC would conduct regular consultative meetings and dialogues to discuss trade environment trends and updates, apprise industry partners about Customs policies and programs, as well as address issues and concerns relating to implementation.

“It will assist in the development of Customs policies and delivery of services by identifying obstacles and bottlenecks in trade facilitation,” Rubio said.

“It will also identify Customs procedures that are no longer aligned with modern business standards, as well as adopt cutting edge technology to enable BOC to adapt to a dynamic trade environment,” he added.

The council targets to establish a mechanism for consultation prior to and after the implementation of new policies to improve regulatory compliance among stakeholders.

It also aims to prevent illicit activities of traders and Customs employees and help secure trade supply chains.

The CICAC is chaired by Rubio with members from BOC and industry partners including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc., Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as the top 20 importing companies of the Philippines.

Also included are the Association of International Shipping Lines, Airline Operators Council, Philippine Retailers Association, Philippine Exporters Association, Distilled Spirits Association of the Philippines, Common Bonded Warehouse Operators Inc., and the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines.

The agency would also seek insights from the Philippine Chamber of Arrastre and Stevedoring Operators Inc., Port Users Confederation, Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines, Federation of Philippine Industries, Philippine Association of Meat Processors, and the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc.