Philippines customs rolls out GPS to track container trucks

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) in the Philippines is rolling out a global positioning system (GPS) technology to track container trucks leaving customs areas.

The BoC also plans to accredit GPS service providers and monitor GPS implementation, reported the Manila Bulletin.

The BoC is ready to finalise the drafts for the Customs Administrative Order (CAO) that forms the rules on the operations of the satellite-aided monitoring system and the Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) detailing its operations, it said.

When operational, the enhanced transit system is expected to stamp customs seals with satellite monitoring devices upon the arrival of container cargo.

In the event cargo is delivered somewhere other than its pre-determined destination, the team tracking those imported goods are expected to notify police. The diverted cargo will then be intercepted and confiscated.

In response to industry concerns that GPS instruments may lead to higher transport costs compared to the current arrangement whereby containers are "customs guarded," the BoC has committed to examine the costs involved and expressed confidence that the new rates will not be higher than the existing levels, the report said.

The GPS programme is slated to become fully operational in the middle of next year.

Source: www.schednet.com