The BOC said it has tied up with telecommunications giant Globe Telecom for its so-called "E2M project," which involves the use of computer-based systems and mobile phone short messaging system.
According to Customs Deputy Commissioner Alexander Arevalo, who heads the bureau’s Management Information System and Technology Group, the BOC has forged an agreement with Globe for the implementation of the project, which is under President Arroyo’s e-governance program.
Arevalo said the project would also be incorporated with the overall automation program of BOC through the AsycudaWorld system, which allows all stakeholders of BOC to transact business through the Internet.
This is also in line with the Revised Kyoto Convention – an agreement of member of the World Customs Organization (WCO) to adopt global customs practices to foster transparency, and efficiency in customs organizations worldwide.
The E2M, which stands for "Electronic to Mobile," is expected to begin early next month after the release of BOC SIM cards, which will be created by Globe exclusively for use of BOC personnel, importers, brokers, exporters, shippers, consignees and other stakeholders.
"This SIM card will contain all the options that will allow the cell phone user to complete his transactions with the BoC through his phone via the special BoC SIM card only. He will be able to track, trace, check status, pay and proactively be informed of arrival, status, and release of shipment," Arevalo explained.
He added that the SIM card comes with a radio frequency identification or RFID card, and serves also as a high security ID card, a debit card, an MRT card, a premises access pass, electronic wallet, and is seen to open other high-tech services that will reduce the cost and the time for doing business with the BoC.
Arevalo further said that the E2M governance is geared towards a four-pronged approach, establishing links in the international, regional, strategic and tactical fronts.
He said this shift from manual to electronic and from electronic to mobile will help strengthen existing international linkages with other member countries of the World Customs Organization (WCO).
In the national level, the BOC has synchronized the bureau’s automation with the automation of other government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture through the National Single Windows System, under a recent memorandum of agreement signed by the BOC with the Department of Agriculture and Department of Finance.
The E2M-governance program will also have inter-agency links and information exchange with the Department of Agriculture, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Budget and Management, National Statistics Office, Department of Trade and Industry, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Treasury, and the Department of Finance.