Clark Customs simplifies import, export procedures

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/07/14/clark-customs-simplifies-import-export-procedures-418870
• Tuesday, July 14, 2015

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Clark has simplified the processing of import and export permits in a bid to create a sound investment climate inside the Freeport.

Customs Commissioner Alberto D. Lina has granted the request of investors to simplify the procedures including X-ray inspections at the Customs Clearance Area (CCA) in Clark.

Lina announced the approval during the Second General Assembly of Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA) at the Convention Hall of Widus Hotel and Casino recently.

The simplification of customs process was endorsed by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) in consultation with investors here. CDC president Arthur P. Tugade thanked the BOC chief for granting the request saying this is part of the program of the state-run agency to implement policies to better serve locators.

Included in the program is the issuance of a rationalized policy on bring in and bring out and its full process automation. The policy is targeted to be issued at the end of August 2015 while full automation is expected to be implemented by 2016.

Lawyer Noelle Mina D. Meneses, manager of the CDC Trade Facilitation Department, said that part of the enhancement program is the conduct of x-ray inspections of incoming shipments in Clark. This would be helpful in avoiding port congestion in Manila, according to Meneses.

The BOC also approved the exemption of Clark locators from BOC’s Client Profile Registration System (CPRS). With the granting of the CPRS exemption, CDC locators need not apply with BOC’s registration system. The Certificate of Registration and/or Tax Exemption issued by CDC to locators shall be recognized by BOC in activating the import and export transactions of Clark-based enterprises. CDC is set to issue comprehensive guidelines in the CPRS exemption for guidance of Clark locators.

Lina is set to issue Customs Memorandum Order to effect the agency’s approval to remove underguarding on import and export shipments and removal of fees for bonds on imports.

The BOC also requested Clark Locators to clear their shipments in the Port of Manila on Fridays so that the shipments can be pulled out and delivered to Clark on Saturdays and Sundays. Lina also informed the locators that offices of BOC in Clark and Subic will are open on Saturdays.

During the event, CILA president Danilo Abad also inducted 12 new members from the various firms operating inside the Freeport.

The newly inducted members were Durban Realty Corporation, Kosmic Clark Medical Co. Inc., Corporate Guarantee and Insurance Company, Wellform Human Resources and Trading Corporation, Asian Sports Apparel Philippines, Inc., Global Clark Assets Corporation, Koko Buri Restaurant, Rondayvu Manufacturing Corporation, Post 10 Worldwide Inc., Energygold Corporation, Iqor Philippines Inc., and Clark Nature Park.