Customs brokers group appeals for lifting of suspended accreditation

MANILA, Philippines — A local trade association of customs brokers has made a plea to the Bureau of Customs to reverse the effect of its earlier regulation which automatically suspended brokers who were issued with a warrant of seizure and detention.

In a statement, the Philippine Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. (PCCBI) said they have submitted an additional list of its members to the (BOC) for the omnibus lifting of suspended, canceled, or revoked accreditation to the BOC.

“The PCCBI emphasized the vital role of licensed customs brokers in facilitating trade and ensuring compliance with customs regulations,” the PCCBI said in a statement.

“The organization expressed confidence that the BOC would act favorably on this request, promoting fairness and due process for affected professionals,” the business group said further.

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The said list includes 15 customs brokers who were previously denied reinstatement, the PCCBI said, appealing for reconsideration of their cases.

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The business group said they remain committed to protecting the interests of its members and fostering a collaborative relationship with the BOC to improve customs processes and professional engagement in trade facilitation.

Speaking with the Inquirer on the same day, PCCBI president Anthony Cristobal said the rule started during the time of the previous BOC commissioner (BOC) commissioner, Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

“Former Commissioner Guerrero issued a memorandum back then that when a shipment is issued with a warrant of seizure and detention, the broker is automatically suspended,” Cristobal said in a phone interview.

Cristobal is referring to Customs Administrative Order 10-2020 signed by Guerrero back in May 2020.

“We worked this out with the new BOC administration, and initially 70 customs brokers were reinstated,” he added.

With this, he expressed optimism that the current BOC management will be receptive to their request and grant their plea.

According to Cristobal, there are currently around 17,000 accredited customs brokers in the country.