Law Summary
Scope
- Covers accreditation of qualified importers as SGL Plus users.
- Applies to shipment processing of SGL Plus users at Port of Manila, Manila International Container Port, NAIA Customs House, and other relevant ports.
Principles
- Promote high-quality service to facilitate trade and ensure compliance with Customs laws.
- Emphasize SGL Plus members' role in policing membership, making recommendations, and fostering cooperation.
Benefits of SGL Plus Users
- Three-year suspension from audits.
- Five-year validity of Importer's Accreditation.
- Permission to import articles outside the usual List of Importables with prior amendment submission.
- 24-hour Client Coordinator Service for member queries.
- Other benefits as endorsed by the Commissioner and approved by the Secretary of Finance.
Organization
Structure and Composition
- SGL Plus Task Group chaired by Deputy Commissioner, IG, including key BOC officials.
- SGL Plus Secretariat appointed by Task Group Commander.
- SGL Plus Accreditation Sub-group handling accreditation processes.
- SGL Plus Import Compliance Sub-Group monitoring import compliance.
- SGL Plus Client Coordinating Center providing 24-hour client service.
Functions
- Task Group formulates policies, processes applications, conducts post-clearance checks, monitors compliance, manages client service, processes benefits, reports progress, and performs assigned tasks.
- Secretariat provides administrative support, receives applications, and prepares reports.
- Accreditation Sub-group processes applications and functions per CMO 28-2003.
- Import Compliance Sub-group performs compliance duties and other tasks assigned.
- Client Coordinating Center manages 24-hour client contact, immediate feedback, and record keeping.
Accreditation
Qualifications
- Must be an SGL member transacting with BOC for at least one year.
- Clear nature of business.
- Consultation with SGL Plus Association.
- Good reputation with no misuse of customs facilities for at least one year prior.
- Willingness to undergo compliance audit.
Procedures for Accreditation
- Invitation based on top users list or application by qualified SGL users.
- Application includes forms and documentary requirements.
- Interviews and review by Accreditation Sub-group and Task Group with recommendations to the Commissioner.
- Certificate of Accreditation issued upon approval.
Conditions of Accreditation
- Must remain a registered SGL user.
- Shipments subject to authorized random/spot checks only at importer’s premises.
- Responsible for misuse or abuse of privileges.
- Compliance with rules and regulations of SGL Plus Program mandatory.
- Violations may result in suspension, revocation, or cancellation after due notice.
- Certificate valid until suspended, revoked, or canceled.
Validity and Grounds for Revocation
- Failure to submit required documents timely.
- Fraud, willful misrepresentation, or submission of fake documents.
- Non-payment of lawfully demanded duties/taxes after verification.
- Violation of accreditation terms including failure to update import details.
- Non-compliance with lawful orders or directives.
Shipment/Importations of SGL Plus Members
Conditions
- Only accredited SGL Plus importers may clear shipments through the facility.
- Entries follow existing SGL procedures.
- Entries subject to post-release verification or inspection mainly on intelligence or mission order grounds.
- Shipments must be listed among importables, freely importable or properly regulated, declared under consumption entries, and free of prohibited articles.
Fees
- Service fees based on F.O.B. value ranging from Php 500 to Php 2,500 per entry.
Process for Additional Benefits
- Recommendations received and researched by Secretariat.
- Presented to Task Group meetings with proponents required.
- Task Group deliberates and endorses favorable recommendations to the Customs Commissioner.
- Commissioner submits approved measures to Secretary of Finance for final approval.
- Implementation by SGL Plus Task Group upon approval.
Coordination Between SGL Committee and SGL Plus Task Group
- Encouraged coordination on policies and procedures.
- Jointly chaired monthly meetings to enhance cooperation.
Effectivity
- Order effective immediately upon signing by the Commissioner of Customs.