THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has launched the E-Travel Customs System, a unified digital data collection platform designed to streamline passenger experience at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The E-Travel Customs System integrates the Electronic Customs Baggage Declaration Form (e-CBDF) and Electronic Currencies Declaration Form (e-CDF) with the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) eTravel System, according to Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.
The new setup is a joint initiative among the BI, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
“It is a pivotal step in digitizing data collection processes for travelers and crew members arriving in and departing from the Philippines,” Rubio said.
“This collaborative initiative aims to optimize border control, enhance health surveillance, and facilitate economic data analysis,” he added.
A key feature of the E-Travel Customs System is its Electronic Customs Baggage and Currency Declaration interface, which was previously a component of the BOC’s I-Declare System and was launched on June 29, 2022.
“Travelers and crew members can now utilize a user-friendly and single web portal which integrates the border control requirements of the Bureau of Immigration, the Bureau of Quarantine, the Bureau of Customs and the BSP,” Rubio said.
This user-friendly web portal integrates border control requirements of the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Quarantine, Bureau of Customs, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, enhancing the overall passenger experience and enabling the Customs bureau to receive advance information for effective risk profiling.
Rubio said the E-Travel Customs System will revolutionize Customs processes, adding “this collaborative initiative demonstrates our commitment to innovation and efficiency in customs management.”
“The E-Travel Customs System will play a pivotal role in ensuring the security of our borders and fostering a seamless travel experience for all. We are dedicated to advancing our Customs practices, aligning with global standards, and safeguarding the interests of our nation,” the BOC chief stressed.
He said the E-Travel Customs System is a testament to the government’s dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions for border control, aligning with international standards, and advancing towards a more secure and efficient Customs environment.