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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider PH ranks second in ASEAN trade facilitation

PH ranks second in ASEAN trade facilitation

Published Nov 28, 2023 09:26 am

At A Glance

  • Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said that the efforts of the Bureau of Customs led to the country's ranking as second best in terms of enhancing trade facilitation among its Southeast Asian peers.<br>Based on the 2023 United Nations Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade survey, the country scored 87.10 percent, up from the third spot in 2021.<br>The Customs has digitalized 160 out of 166 customs processes with a 96.39 percent digitalization rate.<br>The BOC also cited the implementation of the Authorized Economic Program (AEO) Program, which aims to secure and facilitate trade by providing incentives to traders working jointly with customs administrations.

The country's ranking as second best in trade facilitation among its Southeast Asian peers was the fruit of the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) progress in modernizing customs administration and enhancing trade facilitation, Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said.

Based on the 2023 United Nations Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade survey, the country scored 87.10 percent, up from the third spot in 2021. 

It covers over 160 economies around the globe and 60 digital and sustainable trade facilitation measures to help countries benchmark and reduce the time and cost of trading across borders.

“This impressive achievement underscores Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and his team’s relentless commitment to transforming the BOC into a world-class customs agency,” he said.

“The BOC has never been as sophisticated and modern as before because of new initiatives under the Marcos, Jr. administration,” he added.

The Customs has digitalized 160 out of 166 customs processes with a 96.39 percent digitalization rate, while there is currently one system launched for operation, two systems ready for implementation, and three systems being developed for efficient customs services.

Further, the BOC also implemented projects that enhance trade facilitation and border control such as the e-Travel System, Automated Export Declaration System, and Customs Auction Monitoring System.

“Digitalizing customs processes increases the Bureau’s overall efficiency and minimizes discretion,” the finance secretary said.

“Now, our stakeholders can easily comply with our requirements, allowing us to facilitate a secure, transparent, and competitive customs bureau as envisioned by our President. I commend the BOC for their outstanding performance in this area,” he added.

The BOC also cited the implementation of the Authorized Economic Program (AEO) Program, which aims to secure and facilitate trade by providing incentives to traders working jointly with customs administrations.

The Customs launched its AEO program in 2019 in compliance with the Philippines’ commitment to the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.
AEO members are recognized by BOC as trusted trade partners, which allows them to clear their goods with minimum or zero customs border intervention.

The Customs currently has three Level 1 accredited AEO members namely Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation, and Coca-Cola Beverages, which are also being evaluated for Level 2 accreditation.

The BOC signed agreements with neighboring countries on the AEO program, which will assure that the certification standards applied within their respective AEO programs align with the principles and standards of the WCO SAFE Framework.

The BOC is eyeing to conduct negotiations with the Customs Administrations of Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

Related Tags

Bureau of Customs Department of Finance
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