The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC), headed by Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy, and Collector Ma. Rhea Gregorio, Collector Rechilda Oquias, Mr. Crisanto Brecia, and Ms. Denise Asantor, participated in the 143rd/144th World Customs Organization (WCO) Council Sessions in Brussels, Belgium from 27 to 29 June 2024.

The sessions of the Council were facilitated by the WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders and the Council Chairperson, Mr. Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Secretary General Saunders delivered a comprehensive and detailed report of the WCO developments and progress on implementing its Strategic Plan to the important decision-making body composed mostly of Director Generals as Heads of delegations.

Commissioner Rubio commended the progress made by the WCO in implementing the Strategic Plan and acknowledged the impressive accomplishments of the newly elected Secretary General. The Commissioner also highlighted the BOC’s implementation of the 5-Point Priority Program, which was in line with the initiatives and activities of the WCO. Furthermore, the Commissioner shared information about the establishment of the “Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council” (CICAC) as a platform for open dialogue among customs and trade organizations.

Under the Capacity Building progress report, the Philippines appreciated the WCO for receiving numerous capacity-building opportunities and technical assistance. These activities provided extended knowledge and capacities for the BOC in its compliance with the Trade Facilitation Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO-TFA) through the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme that is funded by the United Kingdom’s His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HRMC).

The Philippines delegation had the opportunity to meet Secretary General Ian Saunders personally and exchanged tokens and words of appreciation. The Commissioner also held a bilateral meeting with the Commissioners of Hong Kong Customs and Cambodia Customs to strengthen cooperation and discuss the pending agreements on the Authorized Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO MRA) and Customs Cooperative Arrangement (CCA) between the Philippines and Hong Kong. The Cambodian delegation reiterated its request for the Philippines to provide a zero-draft text for the Memorandum of Understanding on Customs Matters between the two administrations.

Additionally, the Commissioner also participated in the re-election of the SARS Commissioner and the 2024 WCO Photo Competition. Voting for the posts of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Audit Committee and Finance Committee also took place during the Council Sessions.

The forthcoming meetings are expected to focus on significant issues such as Green Customs, Fragile Borders, and Strengthening Customs-Industry Resilience. The aim is to ensure that these new concepts are carefully deliberated and integrated into updated Customs policies. This will ultimately enhance trade facilitation and bolster border protection.

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