Cargo unloading process

• A Load Port Survey Report (LPSR) is issued by an Accredited Cargo Surveying Company (ACSC) after inspecting imported bulk or break-bulk cargo at the port of loading.
• A Discharge Port Survey (DPS) Report is issued by an ACSC for bulk or break-bulk cargo after a survey at the port of discharge.

Unloading of Cargoes

• Upon completing boarding formalities, the customs boarding officer issues a General Permit for cargo discharge, placing the vessel under customs surveillance.
• The General Permit does not authorize cargo delivery or transfer without required permits.
• The customs officer assigned to the vessel endorses the General Permit to indicate whether all import cargoes have been discharged.
• The endorsed permit is included in the officer's report after the assignment ends.

Discharging/Unloading Containerized Cargoes

• A general permit from the authorized customs officer is required to unload containerized cargoes.
• Customs officers must verify container numbers against the discharging sequence during unloading.
• Customs officers must inspect container seals for integrity during unloading.
• A Discharging Report must be submitted to the Chief, PID (or equivalent) upon unloading completion.

Discharging/Unloading Bulk and Break-bulk

• A Load Port Survey Report (LPSR) is required for discharge, following Administrative Order No. 2436 as amended by Administrative Order No. 243-A.
• The Management Information System and Technology Group (MISTG) provides the PID (or equivalent) with advance electronic LPSR copies before vessel arrival.
• In the absence of an LPSR, a Discharge Port Survey (DPS) is required prior to discharge.
• The Bureau may allow discharge with continuous underguarding, subject to penalties under CAO No. 03-2010.
• A daily approved request for DPS is needed before discharge.

Shipside Permit

• A Shipside Permit from the District Collector (or representative) is required for shipside discharge, in addition to the General Permit and LPSR or DPS.
• The customs officer verifies the shipment against the Cargo Manifest for accuracy of details.
• A Transfer Note is issued, outlining conditions/requirements imposed by the Collector of Customs.
• Customs officers are assigned to ensure only authorized cargo is unloaded.
• Underguarding of the lighter with cargoes is required if stipulated in the permit.
• For bulk cargoes discharged onto lighters, the ton or inch immersion table must be obtained from the patron.
• Personal effects and parcel cargoes may be discharged at shipside onto a launch for immediate delivery to the PID (or equivalent) under guard.
• Cargoes are released upon presenting a Statement of Settlement of Duties and Taxes (SSDT).
• A shipside permit costs ₱1800.

Special Permits

• A special permit is required for:

Discharge of Ballast

• Ballast of no commercial value may be discharged with a permit from the District Collector, following DENR rules.

Direct to Truck Transfer

• Direct transfer of containers/cargo from vessel to truck requires a written request approved by the District Collector.

Open Trap Container / IG and OG

• IG (Inner Gauge) refers to cargo fitting standard dimensions for transport without special permits.
• OG (Out of Gauge) refers to cargo exceeding standard dimensions, requiring special handling and permits.

Discharging of Vessel Sludge

• Vessel sludge discharge requires approval from the District Collector, following PPA rules.
• Sludge samples are taken for examination and duty/tax assessment.

Bunkering Permit

• Bunkering or refueling requires a permit from the Bureau.

Transfer to Another Vessel

• Cargo transfer from one vessel to another requires a permit from the District Collector.

Shifting of Cargoes

• Cargo shifting requires a written request approved by the District Collector.
• VOCC / NVOCC

Passengers' Baggage, Parcel List and Crews' Personal Effects

• Immediate discharge of baggage, parcels, and crew articles is required for pier discharge.
• The Chief Officer/Purser must ensure prompt transfer to the PID (or equivalent) under guard.
• Receipt is noted on the Transfer Note, and examination by customs officers occurs.
• No permit is needed for baggage discharge and landing.
• If discharged into a carrier, underguarding to the PID (or equivalent) is required.

Schedule of Penalties

Vessel/Seacraft/Aircraft Departing Before Customs Formalities

• First offense: ₱100,000.00
• Second offense: ₱200,000.00
• Third offense: ₱300,000.00
• These fines apply when a vessel/aircraft arrives from a foreign port and departs without customs formalities, unless forced by weather, enemies, or necessity.

Obstruction to Boarding Officer

• First offense: ₱100,000.00
• Second offense: ₱200,000.00
• Third offense: ₱300,000.00
• These fines apply if the Master or any crew member obstructs an officer boarding to enforce regulations.
• Consolidated Cargo Manifest (CCM) includes all shipments destined for a port in the Philippines, which is submitted as rider to the carrying Vessel or Aircraft’s Cargo Manifest.

Unlawful Boarding/Disembarking

• First offense: ₱100,000.00
• Second offense: ₱200,000.00
• Third offense: ₱300,000.00
• These fines apply if the Master permits boarding/disembarking without customs officer permission.

Unloading Cargo Before Arrival at Port of Entry

• First offense: ₱500,000.00
• Second offense: ₱1,000,000.00
• Third offense: ₱2,000,000.00
• These fines apply if cargo is unloaded before arriving at the Port of Entry without authorization.

Unloading Cargo at Improper Time/Place After Arrival

• First offense: ₱100,000.00
• Second offense: ₱200,000.00
• Third offense: ₱300,000.00
• These fines apply if cargo is discharged at an undesignated time or place.

Failure to Exhibit/Deposit Documents

• First offense: ₱100,000.00
• Second offense: ₱200,000.00
• Third offense: ₱300,000.00
• These fines apply if required documents are not submitted to the District Collector upon entry.

Bringing Unmanifested Arms/Explosives

• First offense: ₱500,000.00
• Second offense: ₱750,000.00
• Third offense: ₱1,000,000.00
• These fines apply for carrying unmanifested or concealed firearms, explosives, or war equipment.

Failure to Supply Advance and Requisite Manifests

• First offense: ₱100,000.00
• Second offense: ₱200,000.00
• Third offense: ₱300,000.00
• These fines apply for failing to transmit the electronic manifest within the required time.

Breaking Customs Seal

• First offense: ₱100,000.00 per broken seal
• Second offense: ₱200,000.00 per broken seal
• Third offense or more: ₱300,000.00 per broken seal
• These fines apply if a seal placed by a Customs Officer is broken.

Disappearance of Manifested Goods

• First Offense – ₱500,000.00
• Second Offense – ₱750,000.00
• Third Offense – ₱1,000,000.00
• These fines apply if goods mentioned in the manifest are not unloaded at the destination port, unless the disappearance is explained to the District Collector's satisfaction and not due to negligence.