BOC Issues Operational guidelines for foreign ships Co-Loading Act
Export Development Council
July 11, 2016

The Bureau of Customs has released guidelines to operationalize some sections of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Foreign Ships Co- Loading Act.

Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 16-2016 was signed by Commissioner Lina on June 10 operationalizing Sections 6,7,8 of Joint Department Administrative Order (JDAO) No. 001-2016, which sets the IRR of Republic Act No. 10668 or the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act.

Section 6 of the JDAO provides the rules for co-loading import cargo; Section 7 for co-loading export cargo; and Section 8 for co-loading empty containers.

Export cargoes, empty container

Export cargoes shall be covered by Export Declaration at the port of loading, whether or not passing through another Philippine Port of Entry for delivery to the foreign port of destination.

For Empty Foreign Container Vans, the Bureau of Customs will issue a Special Permit to Load for Domestic Movement (SPL-DM) with reference to the domestic leg in case the empty container is transferred from one Philippine Port to another and a Special Permit to Load for Immediate Exportation (SPL-IE) in case the foreign empty container is loaded by a foreign vessel for immediate exportation.

The requirement for Boat Notes will be dispensed for purposes of co-loading.

Import Cargoes

Co-Loading Import Cargoes should be covered by an Electronic Inward Foreign Manifest (e-IFM) indicating the registry number of the carrying vessel.

The foreign ship operator or agent of the foreign Recipient vessel shall request for a Permit for Co-Loading to the Office of Deputy Collector for Operations (ODCO), or equivalent office, at the port concerned at least twelve (12) hours before arrival of the vessel.

The approved permit for co-loading must be immediately sent via email or fax by ODCO at the port of discharge to the ODCO at the port of final destination. At the ODCO or equivalent office at the port of discharge, the Manual Discharge under the Bureau’s e2m system for cargoes subject of co-loading shall be followed.

The containers for co-loading shall not be included in the port terminal operator’s automated system such as Terminal Appointment Booking System, gate pass, etc. since the containers are for temporary movement only.□