BoC denies Manila port clog

THERE is no congestion at the Port of Manila (PoM) and the Manila International Container Port (MICP), according to the Bureau of Customs (BoC).

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio made the clarification to Speaker Martin Romualdez, who visited the BoC following reports that rice shipments were accumulating at the ports, raising concerns over potential delays and their effect on rice prices.

“The delays are not caused by port-related issues but simply the practice of importers in maximizing the 30-day allowable period to claim their shipments upon settlement of customs duties and taxes due thereon,” said Rubio.

Prior to Romualdez’s inspection, Customs records showed that 258 containers of rice remain at the Manila port’s yard.

The records showed that 237 containers have been cleared for release after payment of duties and taxes.

The remaining 21 containers had their goods declarations lodged only last September 20, and are still in the process of being cleared.

At the MICP, 630 containers of rice remain. Of these, 492 containers have been cleared for release, while 138 containers are still pending payment of duties and taxes.

Rubio said that none of the shipments have exceeded the 30-day period stipulated by Section 1129(d) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

The law requires importers to claim their shipments within 30 days from payment of duties and taxes, or the shipments will be declared abandoned.

Rubio said the bureau can start abandonment proceedings if any shipments remain unclaimed after 30 days.

“The rice shipments are ready for release once consignees fulfill their responsibilities, and the accumulation at the ports is not due to any delay caused by congestion,” he said.

The bureau “remains committed to ensuring that the release of rice shipments follows the legal procedures without unnecessary delays. We urge consignees to act promptly to avoid further disruptions. The BoC stands ready to enforce abandonment proceedings as mandated by law if goods remain unclaimed,” he said.