Super Green Lane (SGL) Facility

Super Green Lane (SGL)

• EO 230 s. 2000 authorizes the establishment and maintenance of the Super Green Lane Facility.
• The SGL allows for advance processing and clearance of shipments from the country's top qualified importers.
• Benefits include not undergoing prior physical examination and documentary checks.

Importer Qualifications for SGL Membership

• Must be a BOC accredited importer
• Must be actively engaged in the import business for at least one year when filing SGL accreditation.
• Must be a regular importer of the same type of articles
• Must be a CPRS registered importer
• Must be willing to undergo voluntary post-entry audit

Shipments Qualifying for SGL Treatment

• Must be included in the List of Importables (LOI) submitted to BOC for SGL accreditation or in approved amendments.
• Must be freely importable or regulated under a continuing import authority
• Must be declared under consumption entry
• Must not contain prohibited importations

Accreditation as an SGL Importer

• By invitation:
  • MISTG generates a list of the top 1,000 importers based on D&T paid in the previous calendar year within the 1st month of that year.
  • MISTG submits to the Accreditation Sub-Committee (AS)\
  • AS recommends a list of importers to invite to the SGL Committee.
  • The SGL Committee sends invitations with an SGL application form.
• By application:
  • For those who qualify and are recommended by AS but haven't been invited by the SGL Committee.

Reconstitution of SGL Committee (CSO 3-2018)

• Chairman: DepCom, AOCG
• Vice-Chairmen:
  • Accreditation Sub-committee (ASC)
  • Chief, Accreditation Management Office
  • Import Compliance Sub-Committee (ICS)
  • Director, Import Assessment Service
• Members include representatives from:
  • Accreditation Sub-Committee (ASC)
  • Port Operation Service
  • CIIS
  • Legal Service
  • Import Compliance Sub-Committee (ICS)
  • WMAU
  • AOCG
  • FED-POM
  • MICP

Function of the SGL Committee

• Evaluates the findings of the ASC and ICS regarding the qualification of applicants.
• Issues approval through the preparation of Certificate of Accreditation for the Commissioner's signature.
• Handles and resolves issues arising from SGL Accreditation and Operations.
• Recommends policy decisions for improving the SGL System.

Functions of Accreditation Sub-Committee (ASC)

• Evaluates SGL applications and conducts background checks:
  • Checks BOC accreditation status.
  • Checks engagement in the import business for at least one year.
  • Checks willingness to undergo post-entry audit.
  • Checks whether the information provided in the SGL application is complete.
  • Confirms whether the list of importables does not include prohibited articles.
  • Confirms whether the list of importables include regulated articles if covered by import permit.
  • Checks whether the value and tariff classification of articles in the list of importables are acceptable
  • Checks whether the applicant has clearance for money accountability with BOC.

Functions of Import Compliance Sub-Committee (ICS)

• Reviews the findings and recommendations of ICS units at POM, MICP, and NAIA regarding actual importations of SGL members versus the approved List of Importables
• Participates in AS deliberations valuing articles in the List of Importables
• Validates compliance issues discovered during post-release validation of released shipments under SGL facility
• Recommends SGL members for compliance audits.

Conditions in the Certificate of Accreditation (CA)

• Shipments may be subject to authorized random and/or spot checks within the importer's premises.
• The importer is responsible for any misuse or abuse of the privilege.
• The importer must comply with all regulations.
• Willful violation or contravention is grounds for suspension, revocation, or cancellation after due notice.
• The CA is subject to annual review by the BOC and valid until revoked or canceled.

Clearance Procedures for SGL Shipments

• An electronic Entry declaration is lodged to the e2m Customs Systems through a VASP
• E2m assesses the declaration and sends payment instructions to the Bank Reference Number indicated in the entry declaration.
• Duties and taxes automatically debited from the importer's account with AAB
• The system confirms payment of D&T.
• System triggers release instructions to the warehouse/arrastre operator through OLRS.
• Importer pays arrastre or warehouse charges.
• Importer secures delivery of shipment.

Post Release Activities

• The Customs Broker of the SGL importer submits to customs a notarized SAD in 2 copies with required shipping documents, Temporary Assessment Notice (TAN), SSDT, and evidence of Service Fee payment on the latest 2nd working day of the following week of electronic entry lodgment
• EPU processes with working copy and sends documents to the ICS of the Port.
• ICS checks whether articles are included in the approved List of Importables and reviews value, tariff classification against the submitted list.
• Discrepancies recommend payment of additional duties/taxes and accordingly notify the District Collector, copying the Chair SGL Committee.

Service Fee

• The accredited importer pays a fee for every entry filed through the SGL Facility based on the F.O.B. value of the subject imports based on the following schedule:
  • Below US$5,000: P500
  • US$5,001 to US$100,000: P1,000
  • US$100,001 to US$200,000: P1,500
  • US$200,001 to US$500,000: P2,000
  • Above US$500,000: P2,500

Post Release Inspection

• An SGL shipment is examined only when subject to derogatory intelligence info received by the Commissioner or directed by the Chair of the SGL Committee subject to a Mission Order.
• The MO must be signed by the Commissioner or authorized representative
• The concerned ICS forms a team that the examination at the importer's premises
• An after-mission report is submitted within one (1) working day after the mission.

SGL Entries Tagged as “RED”

• SGL shipments are inspected or examined only when directed by the SGL Committee Chair or mandated via a MO by either commissioner or authorized rep.
• If no derogatory report exists, SGL entries tagged RED are rerouted to the “Blue” Lane and are subject to a written report sent to the SGL Committee within 1 day of re-routing
• Any request by a SGL user to amend their SGL entry must be immediately reported to the SGL Committee, after which SGL Chairman issues a MO for the 100% examination; examination is to take place on the grounds of the importer, and a report must be made within a day after examination

Super Green Lane Plus

• Benefits enjoyed by regular SGL members.
• Three year (3) suspension on the conduct of audit
• Five year (5) validity of the Importer’s Accreditation , the ICC normally is valid for 3 years
• SGL Plus members allowed to import articles not included in the List of Importables, with amendments to importables submitted 10 days prior to arrival
• A 24 hour Client Coordinator Service can cater to queries of SGL PLUS members
• Other benefits may be processed by the SGL PLUS Task Group, endorsed by commissioner of customs and approved by the DOF Secretary

Qualifications for SGL Plus Membership

• The importer is an accredited SGL member transacting with BOC for at least one year before applying
• The application has a clear and specific nature of business
• The SGL PLUS Association has been consulted on the approval of applicant’s membership
• Importer has a good reputation and track record
• Importer can not have misused customs facilities for a year prior to application or have derogatory information and must be willing to undergo compliance audit.

Offices Involved in SGL Plus

• The SGL PLUS Task Group is composed of:
  • Deputy Commissioner, IG-Chairman
  • Chief, RMO
  • Asst. Chief RMO
  • Director, IAS
  • Chief, PPRD
  • Chief of staff, AOCG
  • Executive Assistant., OCOM
  • Asst. OIC, Production Section, CIIS

Other SGL Plus Offices

• SGL PLUS Secretariat is appointed by the SGL PLUS Task Group Commander.
• SGL PLUS Accreditation Sub-group is composed of the CIIS Director, the Head of SGL PLUS Secretariat, the heads of the Import Compliance Sub-Committee (ICSs) in the three major ports of entry, and others assigned by the Task Group.
• SGL PLUS Import Compliance Sub-group is composed of the ICS Director or representative, heads of the ICSGs in the Port of Manila, Chief Valuation and Classification Division, and other persons designated by the Task Group Chairman.

SGL Functions

• SGL PLUS Task Group:
  • Formulates and recommends policies , procedures, enhancements, and services to improve the SGL PLUS facility for the Commissioner
  • Processes the invitation or application of qualified SGL members who wish to avail of the SGL PLUS facility and make recommendations
  • Conducts post-clearance checks on declarations covering shipments released under the SGL PLUS facility.
  • Monitors SGL PLUS members' compliance with rules and regulations
• Client Coordinator:
  • Organizes and supervises operation.
  • Handles queries and concerns of the SGL Plus member
• Secretariat:
  • Processes the recommendation on benefits for SGL PLUS members
  • Submits to the Commissioner of Customs a monthly report on the progress of the SGL Plus Program.
  • Perform other functions as may be assigned by the Commissioner

SGL Plus Secretariat

• Provides administrative support to the SGL PLUS Task Group
• Receives applications to the program
• Reports for the SGL PLUS Task Group

SGL Plus Accreditation Sub-Group

• Processes applications and documentations for accreditation in the SGL PLUS applicants and make recommendations to the SGL PLUS Task Group.
• Performs all other functions of the SGI Accreditation Sub Committee

SGL Plus Import Compliance

• Performs all functions of the SGL Import Compliance Sub-Committee
• Performs other functions as may be directed by Task Chairman

SGL Plus Coordinating Center

• Provides a 24-hour contact number for inquiries.
• Acts on the concerns and provides immediate feedback
• Maintains an SGL PLUS Client Coordination Form with specific Information

Procedures for Accreditation by Invitation

• Based on the MISTG list of top SGL users in D&T for the previous year, and consultation with the SGL PLUS Assoc, the SGL PLUS Task Group selects and invites SGL users.
• The SGL PLUS Secretariat transmits the invitation along w/ application and a list of doc requirements
• Upon completion of application, the SGL PLUS Accreditation Sub-group conducts an interview w/ candidate(s) within 5 days of receipt
• Within five days of the meeting, the SGL Plus AS deliberates and gives recommendations to the SGL Plus Task Group

SGL Plus Other steps for Accreditation

• SGL Plus Task Group reviews the recommendations of the SGL AS and takes next steps:
  • Applicant will be notified of any outstanding issues or documentations
  • Applicant will be informed if the application is denied, as well as the reason for rejection
  • Recommend applicant for acceptance once approved by the Commissioner
• If for approval, the SGL Plus Task Group prepares the Certificate of Accreditation for signature of the Commissioner
• SGL users meeting SGL Plus ccreditation qualifications may submit an application and documentation to the SGL Plus Secretariat.
• After submission, the steps above will apply

Conditions for suspension

• CA remains valid until suspended, cancelled, or revoked by the Commissioner after recommendations from the Task group as well as notice and hearing under following conditions:
  • Accredited importer fails to provide hard copies of import entries inside SGL plus prescribed period
  • Plus application or importation tainted with fraud or willful misrepresentation
  • Fake document submissions during accreditation and importation phase
  • Failure to pay duties and taxes by the SGL Plus ICS

Conditions of Shipment

• Only SGL Plus accredited importers holding a Certificate of Accreditation (CA) are clearing their shipments through SGL Facility
• All entries covering SGL Plus shipments are filed under existing procedures
• SGL Plus entries are subject to post release as long inspection proceeds for SGL, unless they are potentially dangerous, but can only be verified via a Mission Order from the Commissioner of Customs

Qualification for SGL Treatment

• Shipments comply w/ stipulations when:
• Are in the concerned SGL PLUS user’s accreditation and can be altered 10 days prior to arrival
• Are freely importable and if regulated, must be covered by Import Authority
• Are declared under consumption entries
• The parts do NOT contain prohibited parts under current laws.
• Service fees must align w/ SGL users.