Asean countries asked to use tools for improving trade 

The Philippines urged Asean-member states to utilize World Customs Organization (WCO) tools, especially the diagnostics on integrity, to improve trade efficiency and facilitation within the region, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said in a report by BusinessMirror.

A statement from the BOC said that during a recent high level meeting of customs chiefs from the region, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio urged members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to tap and explore specifically the WCO’s Mercator program as it has a diagnostic tool on integrity.

The BOC said Rubio led the Philippine delegation to the 32nd meeting of the Asean Directors-General of Customs held last week in Pattaya, Thailand.

“The Philippine delegation shared its experience with the World Customs Organization (WCO) Mercator program, which includes a diagnostic on integrity,” read a statement issued by the BOC last Wednesday.

According to the bureau, Rubio encouraged other Asean economies to explore the program’s offerings to promote integrity across all customs administrations, “underscoring the importance of ethical customs practices.”

The Mercator program was launched by the WCO in 2014 to support the implementation by countries of the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The program contains instruments and tools that could help countries implement the TFA.

The Philippines also invited Asean member states to utilize the WCO’s e-learning platform where they can access various time release study (TRS), which provides information on the amount of time necessary for imported goods to be released.

“Recognizing the significance of the TRS, the Philippines advocated for inviting the private sector and other stakeholders to access this valuable resource,” the BOC said.

Meanwhile, the Philippines “reaffirmed” its request for technical assistance from Indonesia regarding the Customs Laboratory Training Center, according to the BOC.

The BOC explained that the technical assistance would strengthen its institutional capabilities.

“The progress on the ASEAN Single Window was also discussed during the meeting. The Philippines was encouraged to join the live operation of e-Phyto Certificates, a digital certification system for plant and plant product exports, in collaboration with Indonesia and Thailand in 2023,” it said.

The BOC disclosed that one of the achievements during the meeting was the development of the new Asean Tariff Finder that would allow the public to access updated trade information of each Asean member state.

The BOC noted that the Asean Tariff Finder, which will be launched in August, would help micro, small and medium enterprises to “maximize” the benefits of trade policies as the tool is “expected to enhance trade certainty and predictability.”

“The BOC remains committed to active engagement within the ASEAN region, fostering collaboration, and driving progress in trade facilitation and customs development,” it said.

“By leveraging regional partnerships and innovative initiatives, the BOC aims to create an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth while ensuring compliance with international customs standards,” it added.