BOC collectors told: Strictly enforce shipment guidelines

CEBU, Philippines - The commissioner of the Bureau of Customs has reminded all district collectors and other top officials of the bureau nationwide to strictly implement the guidelines on abandonment of shipment to decongest the port premises.

Commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon gives emphasis on the posting of the “notice to file entry” and the “notice to claim” because these notices will be the basis in the period within which the concerned importers, brokers, consignees and other interested parties to work on the necessary papers.

Biazon reminded the Customs officials that concerned importers, consignees, brokers or representatives have only 30 days to file an entry after the shipment is discharged from the vessel or aircraft and 15 days after the notice is posted.

The memorandum was received by the office of district collector Ronnie Silvestre last December 1. The memorandum is aimed at decongesting the port premises of the abandoned and overstaying imported shipment.

According to Biazon, all shipments that are not claimed within the prescribed period shall be considered government property and does not need further abandonment proceedings. (FREEMAN)