BOC, PISI join forces to modernize steel import processes

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) have collaborated to strengthen custom modernization and advance mechanisms for iron and steel imports. 

In a meeting last January 25, the BOC said that the agency and the PIS agreed to form a technical working group to develop a database for monitoring steel imports, classification of commodities, and supporting standardized customs valuation that are based on historical records. 

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BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno underscored that the reform agenda of the agency involves “digitalization, automation, and data-driven governance, including strengthened stakeholder accreditation using AI [artificial intelligence] and data analytics.”

“Customs modernization must be anchored on credible data, automation, and strong institutional partnerships. By working closely with industry leaders, we can establish transparent valuation standards, close enforcement gaps, and ensure that trade is fair, predictable, and rules-based consistent with the President’s call for accountable and modern governance,” Nepomuceno said in a statement released on Tuesday. 

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The BOC then shared that the PISI committed to advocate for customs reforms and sharing of their technical expertise with the agency in line with the development of a database for steep imports and exports. 

With this, Nepomuceno said that “sustained reform requires close coordination with the private sector to align technical expertise, industry data, and policy support and to institutionalize improvements that endure beyond leadership changes.” /jpv