THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) said it will pilot-test a Customs Processing System (CPS) modeled on a system it studied from Japan at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as well as the Port of Batangas.
“Our goal is to make customs processes faster, more efficient, and more responsive to the needs of businesses and the public,” BoC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said in a statement over the weekend.
“By learning from Japan’s experience, we can adopt practical solutions that improve trade facilitation, strengthen border security, and enhance the quality of services we provide,” he added.
Mr. Nepomuceno led a delegation to Japan between Oct. 21 and 23 to study the Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System (NACCS), among others.
The NACCS is an integrated digital platform that streamlines customs and trade-related transactions.
“The lessons gained from NACCS are expected to support the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to enhance its CPS and further modernize customs operations,” the BoC said.
The BoC is still deciding between Cebu and Davao as the next pilot site.
During the Japan visit, the BoC met with Japan’s Customs and Tariff Bureau, the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia/Pacific (RILO A/P), Tokyo Customs, Yokohama Customs, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The delegation also discussed intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement against transnational smuggling with RILO A/P. With Tokyo Customs, it discussed risk-based inspection and border protection practices.
“The visit concluded with discussions at JICA Headquarters on potential areas for continued technical cooperation and capacity-building, building on existing collaboration in customs modernization initiatives,” the BoC said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile