Main talking points:
Updating on Bureau of Customs reference prices
It was agreed that a weekly updating of values (previous week’s prices to be updated the following Monday) is the best solution. The reference values should cover an eight week period (or 60 days) from current week to account for the time difference between contract date and arrival of goods.
PISI will coordinate with DepCom Uvero to form a working group for this purpose, first meeting will be after PISI submits to DepCom Uvero a proposed format and working program for the updating of values.
BOC will ensure that the reference values generated by the group will be cascaded throughout the Bureau and that there will be uniform valuation throughout all ports.
Need for the timely release of cargo
PISI informed Com. Lina of the disparity on the time of release of steel imports ranging from 4 days to 14 days. Com. Lina has committed to the early release of cargo, as quick as 1 day processing.
Com. Lina has requested PISI members to take advantage of the weekend operations of the BOC. PISI is willing to support the weekend operations and will coordinate with the BOC on how to avail of this service.
PISI will also support the campaign of the BOC to push for special truck lanes that are exempt from the existing truck ban. Com. Lina has expressed he is willing to start negotiations with Mayor Estrada on this initiative.
Com. Lina is supportive of the Special Green Lane program. He encourages the PISI members to avail of this program to also help address the delays in release of cargo.
BOC is for the quick release of goods to facilitate trade. PISI members are reminded though that all shipments are still subject to Post Entry Audit at the prerogative of the BOC.
Strict implementation of Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) for steel rebars and angle bars
PISI informed Com. Lina of various reports of steel rebars and steel angle bars being released from the ports lacking the necessary permits from the Department of Trade and Industry. Steel rebar and angle bar require mandatory compliance to the Philippine National Standards.
Com. Lina has committed to work together with the PISI and the DTI-BPS to eliminate the premature release of products that require ICC as this constitutes unfair practice and will result in an unlevel playing field.
