BOC hikes importer accreditation fee to ₱5,000 to curb corruption, boost efficiency
Longer validity eyed
By Derco Rosal
At A Glance
- Coupled with an increase in the processing fee to ₱5,000 from ₱2,000 previously, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) seeks to extend the validity of importer accreditation to three years from one year previously, a move seen to curb corruption as well as improve operational efficiency and integrity.
Coupled with an increase in the processing fee to ₱5,000 from ₱2,000 previously, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) seeks to extend the validity of importer accreditation to three years from one year previously—a move seen to curb corruption as well as improve operational efficiency and integrity.
“As part of the new [draft] amendment, the processing fee will be adjusted from ₱2,000 to ₱5,000 for the accreditation which shall be valid for three years,” the BOC said in a statement released on Monday, July 21.
It argued that this hike will help the country’s second-largest tax collection agency to improve its management of the “growing demands and enhance the accreditation system’s efficiency.”
“By streamlining procedures and reducing opportunities for discretion, these reforms will help deter corruption and promote a more honest and service-oriented BOC,” Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said, stressing the agency’s commitment to ensuring a more efficient accreditation process for importers.
According to the BOC, the extension on the validity of accreditation is a direct response to stakeholder sentiments and in alignment with the President’s order to improve ease of doing business.
“The change will not only reduce the administrative burden on importers but also simplify the process, allowing them to focus more on their operations rather than annual renewals,” the BOC said.
“This shift is expected to lead to smoother trade transactions, reducing unnecessary delays and fostering a more predictable regulatory environment for businesses,” it added.
Also, the agency noted that additional fields will be part of the updated application form. These would ensure a more accurate data collection and an improved compliance monitoring.
To simplify the process for eligible importers, guidelines for the automatic renewal of accreditations are also outlined in the proposal.
To ensure transparency, the proposal requires importers to submit an annual report 30 days before their accreditation anniversary. This report will update the BOC on any changes to their business information.
Currently, the BOC said the draft amendment is being reviewed by the agency’s legal team to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations.
“Once the review is completed, the BOC will take the necessary steps to implement the proposed changes,” it said.