QuestionsQuestions (BOC CUSTOMS MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 1-2013)
They are: (1) efficiently implement SGL Plus for qualified importers; (2) simplify and accelerate customs clearance and administrative processes; (3) organize BOC units and define their responsibilities; and (4) provide clear and transparent operating procedures.
It covers accreditation of qualified importers as SGL Plus users and processing of shipments/importations of SGL Plus users at the Port of Manila, Manila International Container Port, NAIA Customs House, and other ports as may be necessary.
SGL Plus is meant to promote the highest possible service to achieve trade facilitation and compliance with customs laws, and it emphasizes the importance of SGL Plus membership in policing its ranks through recommendations and cooperation.
Examples include: (1) three (3) year suspension on conduct of audit; (2) five (5) year validity of the Importer’s Accreditation; (3) ability to import articles not included in the List of Importables subject to 10-day advance amendment submission (while still requiring submission of List of Importables and expected volume annually); (4) 24-hour client coordinator service; and (5) other benefits endorsed by the SGL Plus Task Group and approved by the Commissioner and Secretary of Finance.
It is composed of specified BOC officials: Deputy Commissioner (IG) as Chairman, plus heads/directors such as RMO, IAS, PPRD, AOCG Chief of Staff, OCOm Executive Assistant, CIIS Production Section Asst. OIC, among others as enumerated in the Order.
It provides administrative support to the Task Group, receives applications, and receives/prepares reports for the Task Group.
It processes applications and documentation for accreditation of applicants and makes recommendations to the SGL Plus Task Group; and it performs other functions of the SGL Accreditation Sub-Committee as provided in CMO 28-2003.
It performs all functions of the SGL Import Compliance Sub-Committee and other functions as directed by the Chairman of the Task Group.
It provides a 24-hour contact number and, as far as practicable, acts on clients’ concerns with immediate feedback; it records an SGL Plus Client Coordination Form with required details (client, concern, time received, action/results, feedback time, and recommendations).
They must: (1) be accredited as an SGL member transacting with BOC for at least one year; (2) have a clear and specific nature of business; (3) have consulted the SGL Plus Association; (4) have a good reputation based on track record; (5) not have misused customs facilities (or be subject of derogatory information) for at least one year prior to application; and (6) be willing to undergo a compliance audit.
By invitation: selected from a list of top SGL users based on duties/taxes for the previous year (with consultation with SGL Plus Association), then invited; applicants submit documents; interview scheduled within 5 days of receipt; deliberation and recommendation within 5 days after meeting; Task Group then notifies applicant of issues/denial or recommends approval to Commissioner. By application: any eligible SGL user may submit application to the SGL Plus Secretariat; Secretariat checks completeness and requests additional documents if needed; then the same steps as the invitation route apply (interview, deliberation, review, possible recommendation for approval).
Key conditions include: (1) importer must be a registered SGL user; (2) shipments may undergo authorized random/spot checks but only at importer premises while goods are unloaded/stripped thereat; (3) importer is responsible for any misuse/abuse; (4) compliance with all BOC rules on SGL Plus; (5) willful violations are grounds for suspension/revocation/cancellation after due notice; (6) CA use is subject to BOC review and remains valid until suspended/revoked/cancelled.
A CA remains valid until suspended, cancelled, or revoked by the Commissioner upon recommendation of the SGL Plus Task Group, after due notice and hearing, on grounds including failure to submit hard copies/supporting documents within prescribed period; fraud/willful misrepresentation in application or importation; submission of fake documents; failure to pay additional duties/taxes lawfully demanded after post-entry verification; violation of express/implied terms (e.g., not updating commodities/values promptly); or failure/refusal without valid ground to comply with lawful orders/directives.
It must meet all criteria: (1) be in the List of Importables in the user’s accreditation or amendments submitted at least 10 days before arrival; (2) be freely importable or regulated but covered by continuing Import Authority from proper agencies; (3) be declared under consumption entries and thus subject to duties/taxes; and (4) not contain prohibited articles under existing laws/rules.
Yes, but limited: they are subject to post-release verification and post-release inspection as imposed for SGL entries; however, SGL shipments shall not be inspected/examined except when based on derogatory intelligence information and/or as directed by the SGL Plus Task Group Head, in which case the inspection must be covered by a Mission Order issued by the Commissioner.
Below US$5,000: Php 500; US$5,001 to US$100,000: Php 1,000; US$100,001 to US$200,000: Php 1,500; US$200,001 to US$500,000: Php 2,000; Above US$500,000: Php 2,500.
The Secretariat receives and researches recommendations; it is submitted in an incoming Task Group meeting where proponents/stakeholders attend; Task Group deliberates and, if favorable, endorses to the Customs Commissioner; if approved, the Commissioner endorses to the Secretary of Finance; if approved, the Task Group implements.
It encourages coordination on policies and procedures, including conducting a jointly chaired monthly meeting between the two bodies.