Customs chief to run after tariff evaders

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) chief on Wednesday ordered a clampdown on importers that misrepresent the countries of origin of their shipments’ to evade higher tariff payments. In a statement issued Wednesday, Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez warned importers that the bureau will go after those presenting fake certificates of origin as a ploy to lower or even eliminate the tariffs on shipments under the country’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). These agreements include the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Trade in Goods Agreement, ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement, ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement, ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement, and the Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. Alvarez said all import shipments qualified to get FTA-related preferential tariffs should undergo stringent scrutiny and review. Should it uncover and prove fraudulent transactions, the bureau may file smuggling cases as well as collect the proper duties and taxes, Alvarez said. — PE/VS, GMA News