Question & AnswerQ&A (BOC CUSTOMS MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 1-2011)
The main objective is to ensure the accurate and correct collection of revenues by enhancing efforts to stop technical smuggling, ensuring compliance with Philippine National Standards (PNS) for imported products, protecting government revenues, and creating a fair playing field for all industry players.
This Order applies to all imported articles entered in the Bureau of Customs that fall under the Mandatory Product Standards Certification Scheme, sensitive agricultural products (such as sugar and onions), and monitored/sensitive products subject to continuing alert as listed in the annexes of the Order.
An Industry Technical Expert (ITE) is a person accredited by the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) and authorized by the Bureau of Customs, competent in a particular industry, who assists Customs by observing physical examinations, reviewing import documents, and ensuring compliance with PNS and other government regulations for imported goods.
The Industry Screening Committee, chaired by the FPI, is tasked with updating the list of Industry Technical Experts, monitored/sensitive articles, and products under the Mandatory Product Standards Certification Scheme, for submission to the Bureau of Customs.
The PNS Mark (Philippine National Standards Mark) and the ICC Mark (Import Commodity Clearance Mark) are issued and affixed by the Bureau of Product Standards to products covered by the Mandatory Product Standards Certification Scheme, certifying that these products comply with the required standards.
If the Industry Technical Expert is not notified or unavailable, physical examination of shipments subject to alert proceeds as scheduled under the four-hour rule, ensuring no unnecessary delay in processing.
Only the head of the ITE Secretariat or their authorized representative can file a request for an alert with the Bureau of Customs, which must be received by the relevant District Collector of Customs for consideration.
No, the recommendations of the ITE are recommendatory and not binding, and any disputes arising from them will be resolved according to existing BOC rules and regulations. These recommendations shall not delay shipment processing.