The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has clarified that the backlog of rice shipments at Manila ports is not due to congestion, but rather pending actions from consignees necessary for the release of these goods.
According to the BOC, there are currently 258 containers of rice at the Port of Manila. Of these, 237 have been cleared for release following the payment of applicable duties and taxes.
The remaining 21 containers, representing 8.13 percent, had their Goods Declarations submitted only on Sept. 20, 2024, and are still undergoing the clearance process.
At the Manila International Container Port (MICP), 630 containers of rice are also awaiting processing. Out of these, 492 containers have been cleared, while 138 containers are pending payment of duties and taxes.
The BOC reiterated that none of these shipments has surpassed the 30-day limit set by Section 1129(d) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Under this regulation, importers must claim their shipments within 30 days of settling duties and taxes, or the shipments will be deemed abandoned.
The BOC has indicated it will initiate abandonment proceedings for any unclaimed shipments after this timeframe.
“In summary, the rice shipments are ready for release once consignees fulfill their responsibilities, and the accumulation at the ports is not due to any delay caused by congestion,” the BOc said.
“The BOC is continuously monitoring the situation and assures the public that the necessary processes are being followed,” the agency added.
Meanwhile, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the bureau is committed to ensuring that the release of rice shipments follows the legal procedures without unnecessary delays.
“We urge consignees to act promptly to avoid further disruptions. The BOC stands ready to enforce abandonment proceedings as mandated by law if goods remain unclaimed,” Rubio said.
Rice shipment delays at Manila ports due to consignee inaction, not congestion
