MANILA, Philippines - DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, is supporting the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in its effort to further modernize customs process efficiency in the Philippines.
The BOC’s electronic-to-mobile (e2m) project seeks to streamline the bureau’s imports and exports processes and improve trade facilitation between the bureau and its stakeholders including other government agencies. The e-Customs system is an Internet-based technology that allows customs officers and traders to handle most of their transactions, from customs declaration to cargo manifests and transit documents, via the Internet.
“Making BOC more technology-driven is the way to go for the agency and this is in line with our vision to fully automate the customs operations by 2016”, said Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon in a talk before DHL Express senior management while visiting the company’s newly refurbished 4,000 square meter Manile Gateway in Pasay City.
“We are in the process of upgrading our e2m system and it has to be responsive to the needs of our stakeholders. The global trend is to make things go faster in customs processes. If automated pre-clearance is in demand, then this is the direction that we will work on. We commit to enhance customs processing efficiency by making it more reliable, transparent and predictable. The passing of the Customs Modernization and Tariffs Act by the House will also further hasten the agency’s goal towards achieving automation:, Biazon said.
In response, Nurhayati Abdullah, country manager of DHL Express Philippines said: “We applaud the agency’s efforts to modernize the customs administration. This is a very important step because a more transparent, reliable and efficient customs procedure sits well with industry players, local companies and foreign investors. As leader in the international express industry, speed and reliability are two service qualities that DHL provides with pride. We will continue to work closely with the BOC to extend inputs that will help set international standards in customs operations in the country.”
Yasmin Aladad Khan, senior vice president of DHL Express Southeast Asia added: “DHL has always been supportive of the government’s efforts in enhancing the operational efficiency of the air express industry in Philippines. This is especially timely for the Philippines as the region prepares itself for the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community 2015. A more efficient customs process will help to boost the country’s overall competitiveness, bringing greater opportunities for local businesses,” Khan said.
The BOC is currently in dialogues with stakeholders of the air cargo industry to gather valuable inputs that will be incorporated into the terms of reference (TOR) drawn up for the upgrading of the system. The bureau will also embark on upgrading some of its equipment, including x-ray machines in airports as well as the installation of security facilities including more CCTV cameras with the airport compound.world