House OKs bill amending Customs modernization law on second reading

The House of Representatives on Monday approved on second reading the measure seeking to amend the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

In a voice vote, House Bill 9322 was approved during the plenary session. The bill aims to improve trade facilitation and assist the government in revenue collection.

Among the key provisions of the proposed measure is providing a classification system for third parties which shall be used in the assessment of their capabilities to import, export, move, store or clear goods.

It also requires the acquisition of the services of a private auction house to undertake Bureau of Customs public auctions to minimize collusion between BOC employees and favored bidders to the disadvantage of the government.

It further mandates the pre-shipment inspection of cargoes dependent upon risk-based parameters as determined by BOC and other competent authorities.

The bill requires common carriers to declare the value of the imported goods and articles from a foreign port in shipping and airline documents, and prohibit fraudulent alteration of the cargo manifest, bill of lading and airway bill.

The proposed measure also defines the authority of district collectors in processing tariff classification cases and simplifies the issuance and conduct of alert orders and warrants of seizures.—LDF, GMA News

House OKs bill amending Customs modernization law on second reading
Source: Filipino Viral News PH