BOC begins training of staff for revival of PH Customs lab

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Friday it has begun the training of its staff in preparation for the re-establishment of the Philippine Customs Laboratory (PCL).

In a statement, the BOC said its officials and employees completed a training program on Customs Laboratory Processes in Seoul, South Korea, from August 27 to September 3.

The training program’s key objectives were to enhance bilateral collaboration, strengthen knowledge sharing between South Korea and the Philippines, and “provide valuable insights into constructing, operating, and managing a sustainable PCL.”

The training was hosted by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Korea International Cooperation Services (KOICS), Korean Central Customs Laboratory (KCCL), and Korea Customs Service (KCS).

The BOC said the recent training event also marked the second phase of KOICA's multi-year Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow (CIAT) fellowship program.

During the training, the delegation embarked on field study visits to strategic customs offices in South Korea, according to the Customs.

“These included the Korean Customs Central Laboratory and Scientific Service, a World Customs Organization-Regional Customs Laboratory, the Busan Regional Customs housing a Local Customs Laboratory (LCL), and the Busan Customs Container Cargo Inspection Center,” it said.

“The delegation gained firsthand experience in the use of customs laboratory equipment, operational guidelines, and staffing structures,” it added.

The re-establishment of the PCL promises multiple benefits, including more accurate tariff classification analysis, improved revenue collection, enhanced border security against illicit trade, and heightened public health safety through the identification of harmful chemicals and substances, the BOC said.

In June, the Customs announced its plan to revive the PCL in a bid to to deter smuggling, particularly of imported chemical products, into the

The BOC is partnering with KOICA on its plan to re-establish the PCL.—AOL, GMA Integrated News