This is pursuant to Department Order No. 11-2018 issued by the Department of Finance last 9 February 2018 which states that the “authority to accredit and register customs brokers and importers is reverted solely to the Bureau of Customs for purposes of simplification of process”.

The BOC also posted in its website the application forms for the accreditation. Said forms indicated that the applicant must also submit a list of Importable items with clear description in technical and tariff terms, estimated volumes and values for the next twelve (12) months.

Following the issuance of DO 11-2018, the BOC is now mandated to provide the BIR with a list of accredited importers and customs brokers for post-accreditation validation of tax compliance. In turn, the BIR shall notify immediately the BOC if there is a case of tax deficiency and non-compliance of accredited importers and customs brokers.

DO 11-2018 repealed DO 12-2014 and DO 18-2014 which required two-step accreditation process. Previous process requires importers and brokers to go through stringent verification procedure of BIR to secure Importers Clearance Certificate (ICC) and Brokers Clearance Certificate (BCC) respectively and submit the same as form part of the requirement of BOC accreditation.Since March 1, the Bureau of Internal Revenue has stopped accepting application for accreditation.