BOC calls on shipping lines to remove overstaying containers in ports

MANILA, Philippines, February 23 ------ The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has called on shipping lines to remove their containers that have remained in ports beyond the 90-day dwell period to ease up congestion at the Manila South Harbor and Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).

In a statement, the BOC said that its Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno asked the Association of International Shipping Lines to coordinate with the concerned shipping lines in removal of overstaying containers and enforcement of the allowed dwell period in ports. “Records from the BOC show that several empty containers have remained within port premises beyond the prescribed 90-day period. Concerned shipping lines are directed to immediately file the necessary goods declaration and/or settle the corresponding duties, taxes, and other charges,” the statement said. “Non-compliance may result in the initiation of appropriate enforcement measures in accordance with existing customs laws, rules, and regulations,” the statement added.

Nepomuceno noted that the enforcement of the 90-day dwell period in containers is stated under the Customs Administrative Order No. 8-2019 or the “Policies on Admission, Movement, and Re-Exportation of Containers at the Seaports.” Aside from this, AISL was also asked to assist in notifying the member shipping lines to ensure proper disposition of the overstaying containers. With this request, the BOC said that “removal of these containers is expected to free up valuable terminal space and help ease congestion” at the Manila South Harbor and MICT. Meanwhile, the agency noted that shipping lines that have already complied with required goods declaration, payment of duties, or re-exploration of subject containers can disregard the request.

Source: inquirer.net