The Bureau of Customs in the Philippines is a government agency under the Department of Finance. Its main responsibilities include the assessment and collection of customs duties, taxes, and other fees on imported goods, as well as the prevention of smuggling and illegal trade activities. The bureau works to facilitate international trade while ensuring compliance with customs regulations and protecting the country’s revenue and security.
Overseas Filipino Workers are affected by BOC when OFWs send balikbayan boxes to the Philippines. These are packages sent by OFWs to their families back home. There have been instances where these boxes have been subject to tampering or missing items, leading to dissatisfaction among OFWs and their families.
During the American Colonial Era of the Philippines, the Insular Government of the Philippine Islands of the United States of America founded the Bureau of Customs on February 6, 1902. It recognizes the value of supply chain security and trade facilitation in fostering economic growth in the country.
Contents
- What is Bureau of Customs?
- Vision
- Mission
- Programs and Services
- E-Services
- Aduana Library
- Automated Bond Inquiry System (ABMS)
- Automated Inventory Management System Portal (AIMS)
- Automated Routing and Monitoring System for Goods Declaration (ARMS)
- Customer Care Portal System
- Document Tracking System
- E-Baggage
- Goods Declaration Verification System
- i-Declare System
- National Single Windows (NSW)
- Parcel & Balikbayan Box Tracking System
- Philippine National Trade Repository (PNTR)
- Philippine Tariff Finder (PTF)
- Pre-Payment System
- Rating Portal
- Tax Calculator
- Video: I-Declare: Electronic Customs Baggage and Currencies Declaration
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What is the Bureau of Customs?
- 2. What is the purpose of Bureau of Customs?
- 3. Where can I submit my Electronic Customs Baggage and Currency Declaration?
- 4. Do I need permission to export?
- 5. What kinds of goods declarations are there?
- 6. What is the Bureau of Customs’ hotline number?
- 7. What is Bureau of Customs’ main office address?
- 8. What is Bureau of Customs’ email address?
- Summary
What is Bureau of Customs?
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines plays a critical role in the country’s economic landscape. As the primary agency responsible for the assessment and collection of customs duties, taxes, and fees on imported goods, the BOC ensures that trade flows smoothly while safeguarding the nation’s revenue and security.
By enforcing customs regulations and combating smuggling and illegal trade activities, the BOC contributes to a fair and competitive business environment. With its dedication to facilitating international trade and protecting the interests of the Philippine economy, the BOC plays a vital role in promoting economic growth and development.
By preventing and repressing smuggling and the entry of illegally imported goods, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) efficiently collects taxes. It oversees and regulates the landing and takeoff of airplanes and boats involved in international trade.
Vision
The vison of Bureau of Customs is:
“A modernized and credible Customs administration that upholds good governance and is among the world’s best.”
Mission
The mission of Bureau of Customs is:
“To strengthen border control, enhance trade facilitation, and improve collection of lawful revenues.”
Programs and Services
The following are the Bureau of Customs Programs and Services:
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)
It is properly accredited by the Bureau of Customs based on the WCO Supply Chain Management Guidelines, the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), the WCO Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade, and numerous national best practices. AEO includes any other entity, including the importer, exporter, customs broker, forwarder, freight forwarder, and transport provider.
Through secure global supply chains and the use of cutting-edge technology, AEO promotes trade facilitation and enables the seamless movement of commodities across borders.
Click the link to download the forms: https://customs.gov.ph/aeos-corner/
Accounts Management Office (AMO)
It concerns BOC stakeholder accreditation, namely the list of requirements for accreditation of different stakeholders.
Click the link to apply: https://client.customs.gov.ph
Customs Modernization and Tariff Act
The Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), also known as Republic Act (RA) No. 10863, was approved by Congress on May 30, 2016. The Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP) was updated by CMTA to facilitate commerce, reduce the likelihood of corruption, enhance supply chain efficiency, and modernize customs laws and processes.
This is the main site for public involvement during the formulation of the CMTA’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
Super Green Lane
Super Green Lane, which was established by the Bureau of Customs and the Department of Finance, is hereby authorized to use Electronic Data Interchange to allow for the advance processing and clearance of the shipments of the country’s most qualified importers without the need for a prior physical examination and documentary check on their shipments, provided that they comply with applicable Customs rules, laws, and regulations.
E-Services
Aduana Library
Aduana Library is a compendium of Bureau of Customs issuances.
Automated Bond Inquiry System (ABMS)
ABMS is a system created to monitor the status of bonds from their posting up to their cancellation and expedite the settlement or collection of due and demandable goods.
Automated Inventory Management System Portal (AIMS)
AIMS is a system created to efficiently monitor the inventory of bonded goofs from their entry into CBWs until liquidation of Warehousing Goods Declaration.
Automated Routing and Monitoring System for Goods Declaration (ARMS)
It is an electronic-to-mobile (E2M) subsystem that allows consumption entries to be automatically assigned at random to examiners and appraisers. Also, it provides a way for importers and brokers to keep track of changes to the status of their own goods declarations.
Customer Care Portal System
BOC made use of a help desk ticketing system. Each issue, worry, and request receives a special ticket number that may be used to track the development and responses online.
Document Tracking System
It is an online search tool for locating BOC documents.
Instructions:
- Enter the QR Code
- Select the Search option
- You’ll see the list of the search results below
- Open a ticket at the BOC Customer Care Portal if you would like to check on the progress of your document.
E-Baggage
The Customs Baggage and Currency Declaration procedure has been streamlined and digitalized. It gives customers the choice of finishing their declaration online, before flying, or even while traveling to the Philippines.
Goods Declaration Verification System
It is a system designed to allow Brokers and Importers to keep track of the progress of their entries.
i-Declare System
Passengers have the choice to complete their declarations online with the i-Declare System before taking off or even while traveling to the Philippines. The eCBCD Form is accessible through the i-Declare Kiosks located at the Customs Area and is originally being evaluated at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal One in case travelers miss this opportunity.
National Single Windows (NSW)
NSW makes it easier for applications for licenses, permits, and other authorizations needed before starting a trading transaction to be submitted once and processed quickly.
Parcel & Balikbayan Box Tracking System
This is where you can monitor a package or Balikbayan Box that was shipped to a friend or relative.
Instructions:
- Enter the package or Balikbayan box tracking number or Bill of Landing number
- Press the Search option
- Open a ticket at the BOC Customer Care Portal if you would like to check on the progress of your package or Balikbayan box
Philippine National Trade Repository (PNTR)
The PNTR provides a single source of thorough, comprehensive, and up-to-date information on tariff and non-tariff measures imposed on products entering, leaving, and transiting the Philippines, including domestic laws and regulations administered and enforced by customs, as well as by other governmental agencies.
Philippine Tariff Finder (PTF)
The Tariff Commission is in charge of creating, managing, and maintaining the PTF. This tool is designed to make it easier for you to look for Philippine tariff rates for the goods you’re interested in. It is possible to access all thirteen (13) Philippine tariff schedules using this tool.
Pre-Payment System
It is a system designed to provide a different method of paying duties, taxes, and other fees for all goods declarations submitted via the E2M.
Rating Portal
It is an electronic scorecard access portal that is available online.
Tax Calculator
It provides an overview and range of the duties and taxes that are due.
Informal Entry Express Shipment Tax Calculator
After completing the form, click “calculate” to start the calculation. The amount shown is an estimate of the customs and taxes applied to packages sent by express couriers (such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.). Its sole purpose is to provide you with a general idea of the range of fees and taxes that will need to be paid. The projected amount stated may not match the real amount of duties and taxes.
Video: I-Declare: Electronic Customs Baggage and Currencies Declaration
With the i-Declare System, travelers have the choice of making their declarations online while getting ready to fly or even while traveling to the Philippines. Watch the video posted on YouTube by “Bureau of Customs PH” to learn more about the Bureau of Customs Electronic and Currencies Declaration process.
Frequently Asked Questions
See the list of frequently asked questions and answers below if you have further questions about “Bureau of Customs (BOC)”.
1. What is the Bureau of Customs?
The Philippine Tariff and Customs Code, as well as all other laws, rules, and regulations about the administration of tariffs and customs, are administered by the Bureau of Customs.
2. What is the purpose of Bureau of Customs?
The purpose of the Bureau of Customs is to oversee and manage the entry and clearance of airplanes and vessels involved in international trade.
3. Where can I submit my Electronic Customs Baggage and Currency Declaration?
All passengers and crew members arriving at NAIA Terminal 1 must log in at https://ideclare.customs.gov.ph at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of departure.
4. Do I need permission to export?
Yes. The Philippine National Trade Repository at https://www.pntr.gov.ph/search-commodity/ contains information on the necessary permissions and regulatory agencies.
5. What kinds of goods declarations are there?
Formal Entry includes the importation of goods that are of a commercial character and have a Free on Board (FOB) or Free Carrier (FCA) value of at least PHP 50,000 as well as personal effects and home items that are not being brought in in bulk. Informal Entry, on the other hand, refers to commercial items with a FOB or FCA value of less than PHP 50,000.
A goods declaration must be filed for each item being imported.
6. What is the Bureau of Customs’ hotline number?
You can reach Bureau of Customs’ main office at (02) 87056000.
7. What is Bureau of Customs’ main office address?
Bureau of Customs’ address is at the HXP9+R99, Boston St South Harbour Port Area, Brgy 651 Zone 68, Manila, 1018 Metro Manila, Philippines.
8. What is Bureau of Customs’ email address?
Bureau of Customs’ email address is boc.cares@customs.gov.ph.
Summary
The Philippines Bureau of Customs is an authority or agency in charge of collecting taxes and regulating the flow of commodities into and out of the country, including animals, vehicles, people, and hazardous materials. Also, the Bureau of Customs treats everyone with respect, acts honestly and fairly, and offers effective service.
By acknowledging the value of trade facilitation and a safe supply chain in fostering the country’s economic growth, the BOC helps our country’s economic standing. To ensure the swift and transparent flow of products across borders, the BOC works to modernize and streamline its customs processes.