SEC. 102 (Definition of Terms)

• What does abatement refer to in customs terminology?


  Reduction or diminution in whole or part of duties and taxes in which payment has not been made.
• What is actual or outright exportation?


  Customs procedure of goods leaving the Philippine territory intended to remain outside permanently.
• What does admission mean in customs terms?


  Act of bringing imported goods into a free zone.
• What is an Airway Bill (AWB)?


  Transport document for airfreight used by airlines and international freight forwarders.
• What rights does the holder of an Airway Bill (AWB) have?

  The holder has the right to claim delivery of goods upon arrival at the port of destination.
• What is an appeal in customs context?


  Remedy by which a person aggrieved by an action seeks redress before the Bureau or competent court.
• What is the purpose of assessment in customs?


  To determine the amount of duties, taxes, and other charges due on imported/exported goods.
• Who is considered an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)?


  An importer, exporter, customs broker, freight forwarder, or any entity accredited by the Bureau.
• What is a Bill of Lading (B/L)?


  Transport document issued for water-borne freight by shipping lines or carriers.
• What rights does the holder of a Bill of Lading (B/L) have?

  The holder has the right to claim delivery of goods.
• What does the term 'Bureau' refer to in customs terminology?

  Bureau of Customs.
• Who is a carrier in customs terms?


  Person actually transporting goods or responsible for the means of transportation.
• What does clearance mean in customs procedures?


  Completion of customs and other government formalities necessary for goods to enter or be exported.
• What is the role of the Commission in customs?

  Tariff Commission.
• What is a customs broker?

  Bona fide holder of a valid Certificate of registration issued by the Professional Regulatory Board.
• What is a customs office?


  Any customs administrative unit competent to perform functions under customs and tariff laws.
• Who is a customs officer?


  A person exercising discretion in performing the function of the Bureau.
• What is customs territory?


  Areas in the Philippines where customs and tariff laws may be enforced.
• What does entry refer to in customs terms?


  Act, documentation, and process of bringing imported goods into customs territory.
• What is exportation?


  Act, documentation, and process of bringing goods out of the Philippines.
• What is an export declaration?


  Statement of procedure for taking out exported goods prescribed by the Bureau.
• What is the flexible clause in customs?


  Power of the President to adjust protective tariff rates and establish import quotas upon NEDA's recommendation.
• Who is a foreign exporter?


  One whose name appears on documentation attesting to the import of the product to the Philippines.
• What is a free zone?

  Special economic zones registered with the Philippines Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
• Can you name some examples of free zones in the Philippines?

  Clark Freeport Zone, Poro Point Freeport Zone, John Hay Special Economic Zone, and Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
• What are goods in customs terminology?


  Articles, wares, merchandise, and any other items subject to importation or exportation.
• What is a goods declaration?


  Statement made to indicate the procedure for the entry or admission of imported goods.
• What does importation mean?


  Act of bringing in goods from a foreign territory into Philippine territory.
• What is a freight forwarder?


  Local entity that acts as a cargo intermediary and facilitates transport of goods on behalf of its client.
• What is the role of international freight forwarders?


  Persons responsible for the assembly and consolidation of shipments into a single lot for international transport.
• What does jurisdictional control refer to in customs?


  Power and rights of the Bureau in exercising supervision and police authority within the Philippine territory.
• What is lodgement in customs terms?


  Registration of goods declaration with the Bureau.
• What is a non-vessel operating common carrier?


  Entity that provides point-to-point service without owning or operating a vessel.
• What is outright smuggling?


  Act of importing goods without complete customs prescribed importation documents to evade payment of taxes.
• What are perishable goods?


  Goods liable to perish or depreciate greatly in value while stored.
• What is a port of entry?


  Domestic port open to both domestic and international trade.
• What is a principal port of entry?


  Chief port of entry of Customs District.
• What is a port of discharge?


  Place where vessel, ship, aircraft, or train unloads its shipments.
• What is reexportation?


  Exportation of goods which have been imported.
• What does the release of goods refer to?


  Action by the Bureau to permit goods undergoing clearance to be placed at the disposal of the party concerned.