By Genivi Factao

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is intensifying its Eletronic to Mobile (E2M) project and hopes to put everything in place in two to three months.

BOC plans to have multi partnership with telecommunication networks for its E2M project, which is a cellphone-based transaction between clients and Customs.

Alexander Arevalo, deputy commissioner for Management Information System and Technology Group (MISTG) said they are already conducting technical test for the Customs SIM card developed by Globe Telecoms.

He said the technical test will take two to three months and they are readying the accreditation of importers, brokers, exporters, shippers and consignees.

"The transaction using Customs SIM card will not be exclusive for Globe. Its just that they were the first one to approach and offer the service to us," he said.

He claimed that they are also conducting dialogues with Smart Communications to do the same.

Arevalo furthered that they are also encouraging other networks such as Digitel’s Sun cellular to partner with BOC.

Commissioner Napoleon Morales said the Customs SIM card, which allows the transaction with customs using mobile phones, is inline with their e-Customs project.

Morales said BOC has not spent a single cent on the said project intended for trade facilitation and enhancing the revenue collection.

According to Arevalo, Globe would give the SIM to importers, brokers, exporters, shippers and consignees for free, but they will be subjected to regular usage fees.

Morales said those who will be transacting with Customs will open account through their cell phone and would text their bank whenever they need to pay tax.

Customs said they would soon not accept cash and checks in its transactaions.

The E2M project is a shift from computer-based system to a cell phone based.

Arevalo said with the use of the BOC SIM they can track, trace, check status, pay and be proactively informed of arrival, status, and release of the shipment.

The SIM card has a radio frequency identification or RFID and serves as a high security ID card, a debit card, a premises access pass, electronic wallet, and is seen to open other high-tech services of the BOC.

Arevalo said that the E2M governance is geared towards a four pronged approach, establishing linkages in the international, regional, strategic and tactical fronts.

The bureau’s shift from manual to electronic and from electronic to mobile will strengthen the existing international linkages with other member countries of the World Customs Organization (WCO).

The BOC has synchronized its automation with the Department of Agriculture through the National Single Windows System.

On the strategic front, the E2M-governance program will establish inter- agency linkages and information exchange with the Department of Agriculture, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), National Statistics Office (NSO), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Treasury (BoT), and the Department of Finance (DoF).

The BOC is embarking on the automation of all BOC transactions through the AsycudaWorld system, from client application to online payment of duties and taxes.

This is part of its drive to accede to the Revised Kyoto Convention, an agreement of member nations of the WCO to adopt global set Customs practices to foster transparency, and efficiency in Customs organizations worldwide.

The bureau’s implementation of the AsycudaWorld system falls under the e-governance tactical thrust.