MANILA, 13 Nov. (PIA)--The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will make the process of clearing and delivery of parcels and other mail matters faster and simpler
The MOA rationalizes and simplifies the joint operations and customs processes between PHLPost and BOC, superseding policies and procedures that have not been updated since 1973.
Under the MOA, PHLPost and BOC shall centralize examination and assessment of customs duties for all parcels and mail matters at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) for those that arrived by air and at the Surface Mail Exchange Department (SMED) for those conveyed by sea.
BOC will close down all other customs facilities and operations in other post offices and distribution centers nationwide and designates PHLPost as its authorized collecting agent.
Both agencies will adopt a system for screening, sorting and inspection of all letters, parcels and express mail items, including procedures for items tagged for further examination. BOC will ensure 24/7 manning of customs examination and assessment operations at both CMEC and SMED.
The MOA further states a customs clearance time of 24 hours from arrival at CMEC or SMED for time-sensitive mail like the Express Mail Service, 48 hours for registered mail and small packets, and 72 hours for air parcels, and surface mail except for items tagged for further examination.
PHLPost will set-up help desks to contact addressees of mail matters for tax dues based on Customs’ assessment, before delivery right at the doorstep of the claimant’s house.
“It is important for the public to understand that all mail and parcels may be subject to customs examination, duties, taxes and other fees. What our agreement with PHLPost provides is convenience— clear, simple and transparent processes for assessment, appraisal and collection of customs duties and other import charges from letter posts, parcel posts, and express mail items,” said Customs Commissioner John P. Sevilla.
The improvements to the inter-operability and regulations between the two agencies are also expected to attune the handling of mail matters with current market demands and service standard requirements of the Universal Postal Union and the World Customs Organization. It also augurs well for the country’s compliance with ASEAN integration incorporating borderless trade and economies. (BOC/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)