On March 10, 2014, for the first time in recent history, the Bureau of Customs has suspended the accreditation of a number of importers (70) and brokers (45) for repeatedly failing to describe their imports. Customs Administrative Order № 8-2007 and Customs Memorandum Order № 28-2007 require that imported articles must be described in sufficient detail for proper valuation and tariff classification. Customs Memorandum Order № 04-2014, section 3.5 permits imports or broker accreditation to…
On April 14, 2014, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced that it was intensifying its drive against smuggled and substandard steel with the filing of charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the owners and customs brokers of two firms that attempted to illegally import steel products worth close to P31 million. Two smuggling-related cases were filed against one of the Philippines’ largest importers of steel and iron products, and the firm’s customs brokers.…
On November 18, 2013, the Bureau of Census issued AES Broadcast #2013096 [not yet available on its website] which discusses what is required to ship charity goods to the Philippines which was hit on November 8, 2013, by a super typhoon. In order to facilitate the movement of food, water, medicines, and other supplies, donated by US organizations and the following guidance is offered and applies to goods not requiring a license, such as food,…