BUREAU Of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno headed a delegation to Japan to take a personal glimpse and gain insights ino advanced customs technologies, digital systems, and operational practices that can help improve the delivery of customs services in the Philippines.
The official visit, which took place from October 21 to October 23, included engagements with Japan’s Customs and Tariff Bureau (CTB), the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia/Pacific (RILO A/P), Tokyo Customs, Yokohama Customs, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
A BOC statement bared that a key highlight was a visit to Japan’s Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System (NACCS), an integrated digital platform that streamlines customs and trade-related transactions.
The lessons gained from NACCS are expected to support the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to enhance its Customs Processing System (CPS) and further modernize customs operations.
The delegation also engaged with the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia and the Pacific on intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement against transnational smuggling.
The delegation also observed Tokyo Customs’ cargo clearance procedures, large-scale X-ray inspection equipment, and surveillance technologies in order to identify practices that could further strengthen risk-based inspection and strengthen border protection.
“Our goal is to make customs processes faster, more efficient, and more responsive to the needs of businesses and the public.
“By learning from Japan’s experience, we can adopt practical solutions that improve trade facilitation, strengthen border security, and enhance the quality of services we provide,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
The visit concluded with discussions at JICA Headquarters on potential areas for continued technical cooperation and capacity-building, building on existing collaboration in customs modernization initiatives.
“Through partnerships with international counterparts and the adoption of proven global practices, the Bureau of Customs continues to pursue reforms that support businesses, facilitate legitimate trade, strengthen border security, and deliver better services to the Filipino people in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a more efficient, modernized, and globally competitive business environment,” the BOC said.