MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in cooperation with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), will revive the Philippines Customs Laboratory (PCL) to strengthen its anti-smuggling drive, Customs chief Bienvenido Rubio announced on Tuesday.
The partnership with KOICA would help the agency fulfill its goal of forming “a modernized and credible Customs administration.”
“The reestablishment of the Philippines Customs Laboratory is an opportunity to further enhance border security efforts, increase revenue collection, and foster international cooperation in customs practices,” Rubio said in a statement.
According to BOC, the initiative occurred in a five-day program on Capacity Building on Customs Laboratory Processes conducted from June 19 to 23, which highlighted the essential role of PCL in “proper and accurate chemical analysis of products” to “determine the correct tariff classification and imposable duties on imports.”
“PCL will serve as an effective deterrent against technical smuggling through the use of scientific and technical expertise, advanced technology, and intelligence-driven strategies.” the BOC said.
“This will safeguard national security, protect revenue, and ensure public safety. Additionally, it will enhance border security efforts and promote international collaboration, information sharing, and best practices.”
Aside from discussing PCL’s vital role in proper chemical analysis, the BOC also enumerated struggles it encountered in reviving the laboratory, which includes the lack of facilities and its obsolete laboratory equipment.