(File photo)
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has generated more than PHP500 million from the public auction of more than 2,400 overstaying containers last year.
Citing latest data released on Thursday, the BOC said its Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group, together with the Auction and Cargo Disposal (ACD) Division and the ACD units of all collection districts nationwide, was able to dispose of 2,407 containers through condemnation and auction in 2021.
The BOC said the public auctions generated PHP555,443,841.75 in earnings from 1,257 containers carrying assorted items, such as rice and galvanized steel.
The remaining 1,150 containers of used clothing, rotten food items, used oil, used furniture, and other valueless used articles were condemned or destroyed accordingly.
It added that the containers were forfeited after seizure or abandonment proceedings under Sections 1139 and 1141 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, which provides for the conditions and modes of disposition, respectively.
Under Customs Administrative Order 17-2019, cargoes that were not withdrawn within the regulatory period of 30 calendar days from the payment of duties, taxes, and other charges shall be deemed abandoned, unless covered by duly issued alert order, and upon the finality of the Decree of Abandonment. The Bureau shall then determine the proper disposition through auction, condemnation, or donation.
The disposition activities also resulted in efficient trade facilitation by eliminating port and yard congestion and ensuring the smooth flow of business within the agency. (PNA)
