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By Loreli C. de Dios

Focusing on electronic lodgment through web-based applications of value-added service providers as the IT-based trade facilitation measure, the survey of Customs Brokers conducted in this study revealed that lodgment time in the Philippines dropped to one hour or less as a result, compared to previous lodgment times of ½ to one day. However, total clearance time of 1-2 days remained unchanged, implying that manually performed tasks within the lodgment-to-clearance interval may be slowing down overall procedures. Electronic lodgment allows registered clients to use any computer with internet connectivity, making it easily accessible. Prior to this, importers/brokers had to go to the EEC for lodgment or be EDI- or DTI-enabled, the investment and maintenance costs of which deterred usage. Similarly, the EDI-capable requirement for SGL users limited its accessibility, so that its full trade facilitating impact could not be realized. SGL conditions precluded SMEs from participating, putting them at a further disadvantage. Electronic lodgment now makes it easier and cheaper for all importers/brokers, regardless of size, to file entries. Since small importers account for over half of the 800,000 import entries lodged annually, the number benefiting from electronic lodgment is substantial.

By Loreli C. de Dios
Focusing on electronic lodgment through web-based applications of value-added service providers as the IT-based trade facilitation measure, the survey of Customs Brokers conducted in this study revealed that lodgment time in the Philippines dropped to one hour or less as a result, compared to previous lodgment times of ½ to one day. However, total clearance time of 1-2 days remained unchanged, implying that manually performed tasks within the lodgment-to-clearance interval may be slowing down overall procedures. Electronic lodgment allows registered clients to use any computer with internet
connectivity, making it easily accessible. Prior to this, importers/brokers had to go to the EEC for lodgment or be EDI- or DTI-enabled, the investment and maintenance costs of which deterred usage. Similarly, the EDI-capable requirement for SGL users limited its accessibility, so that its full trade facilitating impact could not be realized. SGL conditions precluded SMEs from participating, putting them at a further disadvantage. Electronic lodgment now makes it easier and cheaper for all importers/brokers, regardless of size, to file entries. Since small importers account for over half of the 800,000 import entries lodged annually, the number benefiting from electronic lodgment is substantial.

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Trade, Investment and Innovation Division +66 2 288-1234 [email protected]