BOC revenue collection, drive vs smuggling, digitalization initiatives in higher gear in 2023

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has further intensified its revenue collection, drive against smuggling, and enhanced trade facilitation through digitalization initiatives in 2023.

As of December 31, 2023, the BOC has surpassed its revenue collection target of PHP 874.166 billion by 1.08 percent, or PHP 9.459 billion, recording a total preliminary collection of PHP 883.624 billion since January 2023.

This presents a 2.46 percent (PHP 21.205 billion) increase compared to last year’s revenue collection of PHP 862.419 billion.

Post Clearance Audit Group (PCAG) Collections from January to December 31, 2023 also increased by 6.43 percent (PHP 118.424 million) to PHP 1.959 billion from the same period last year.

Meanwhile, 91.56 percent (PHP 1.793 billion) of the total additional revenue was collected from Prior Disclosure Program (PDP) Applications, while PHP 166.286 million was collected from other audit findings.

The PDP collection for 2023 is 12.58 percent (PHP 200.285 million) higher compared to the collection in the same period last year.

Moreover, the sale of forfeited goods conducted through public auctions from January to December 31, 2023 generated PHP 164.503 million in revenues.

As part of its commitment to enhance trade facilitation, the BOC has so far digitalized 161 out of 166 customs processes, garnering a 96.99-percent digitalization rate.

The One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System (E-Travel System) in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) was launched on November 21, 2023 to allow travelers and crew members to declare dutiable goods prior to their arrival.

Meanwhile, the Overstaying Cargo Tracking System provides data on disposition activities, such as auction, condemnation, or donation of all overstaying containers in all ports.

Several initiatives in the pipeline include the BOC e-Pay Portal System, the e-Auction System, the Automated Export Declaration System (AEDS), and the National Customs Intelligence System.

The BOC’s modernization initiatives have driven the Philippines to rank second-best among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states in the 2023 United Nations Global Survey on