THE BUREAU of Customs started last October 2, 2019, the pilot-testing of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Cargo Targeting System (CTS) as part of the 10-Point Priority Program of the Bureau to boost trade efficiency, while ensuring border security.
As provided by the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, BOC will be requiring shipping lines to comply with mandated timelines for the submission of manifests through the CTS – a tool for advanced profiling of shipments before they arrive at the Philippine ports using the manifest data given by the shipping lines and airlines.
The objective is to require foreign carriers (sea vessels and aircraft) or their authorized agents to electronically transmit cargo information in advance using manifest data for profiling, risk assessment, anti-terrorism, law enforcement and other related purposes.
The system will thus enable the Bureau to perform a comprehensive and effective risk assessment of import, export and transshipment cargo to identify high-risk shipments and to facilitate trade.
After the successful demonstration and pilot testing, the Bureau of Customs is now ready to launch and use the WCO Cargo Targeting System, which will increase its capability to profile and target high-risk cargoes.
