The Bureau of Customs mandates shipping lines to remove overstaying containers and settle dues to alleviate port congestion, reports Business Mirror.
The Philippines Bureau of Customs has directed shipping lines operating in Philippine ports to remove overstaying empty containers and settle unpaid charges to ease congestion, reports the Philippines Business Mirror.
The bureau stated that it had asked the Association of International Shipping Lines Inc. to coordinate with carriers regarding containers that have remained in ports beyond the allowable dwell period. Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reiterated the strict enforcement of the 90-day rule under Customs Administrative Order No. 8-2019.
The removal of containers is expected to reduce congestion at Manila South Harbor and the Manila International Container Terminal. Records indicate that several empty containers have stayed beyond the prescribed 90 days.
Shipping lines were instructed to file goods declarations and pay duties, taxes, and charges. The bureau warned that non-compliance could trigger enforcement measures under customs law.
Lines that have already complied with declarations, payments, or re-exportation may disregard the notice. AISL President Patrick G. Ronas stated that the bureau should also expedite document processing during periods of high port utilization.
Mr. Ronas rejected claims that empty containers were the main cause of congestion, noting that carriers load empties for use in other countries' exports to avoid additional costs from overstaying.
