The Bureau of Customs has issued a revised and uniform rate system that container freights station (OCC) operators charge for consolidated import cargo.
“All OCC rates shall automatically be adjusted proportionately by using as basis the rate of increase of the arrastre and wharfage promulgated by the Philippine Ports Authority,” Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina said.
Under the amended CMO 24-2001 and effective by Jan. 1 2016, OCC operators shall collect P1,000 as documentation fee per bill of lading. This revises the old rate of P500 per bill of lading in the old CMO.
Lina said the fee for Online Release System is still at P100 per bill of lading.
From date of stripping and storage in the warehouse, rates of shipping are also revised as follows: P60 for one revenue ton or less; P50 for 5 RT or less; P50 for 15 RT or less; and P40 per RT for more than 15 RT.
Arrastre and wharfage shall be charged at P375 per revenue ton.
CMO 41 further elucidates that rates based on revenue ton shall be based on measurements/weights declared in the manifest/bill of lading unless a discrepancy in weight or measurement of more than 12 percent is officially reported to the Bureau of Customs by the OCC operator and wharfinger, in which case the actual measurement or weight shall be the basis for applying the approved rates.
Special rates on a case-to-case basis concerning insurance charge, heavy lift and dangerous cargo may apply.
The BOC move was in response to the numerous complaints of alleged overcharging by Off-Dock Container Yards/Container Freight Stations operators.
Complaints on overcharging beyond what is provided in this order may be filed with the Deputy Collector for Operation of the concerned Collection District, pursuant to the procedures provided in CMO 32-2015, as applicable.
According to the bureau, the Association of Off-Dock CFS `Operators of the Philippines (ACOP), any OCC operator, or any importer or its authorized customs representative or broker may file such complaint supported by official receipt indicating overcharging.
Customs Commissioner Bert Lina, in the promulgation of these amendments, said “This will help level the playing field among the operators and contribute to improving the business environment of our stakeholders.”