Hanoi (VNA) – The Philippines’ Bureau of Customs (BOC) isrolling out the electronic tracking of containerised cargo (E-TRACC) system invarious ports nationwide next month as part of efforts to automate operationsand processes towards enhanced trade facilitation and strengthened borderprotection.

The BOC issued an order establishing the E-TRACC system, which enables theagency to conduct real-time monitoring of inland movements of containerisedgoods.

Cargo including transit containers bound for economic zones, free zones,customs bonded warehouse as well as containers bound for export and reefercontainers bound for second border inspection are covered by the E-TRACC system.

All container vans would be affixed with an electronic customs seal (ECS)before clearance to depart from the port of discharge to the port ofdestination is given.

The seal is a GPS-enabled sealing device or lock that is capable of physicallysecuring cargo and providing real-time location information.

It will track the goods in real-time and provide alarms in case of unauthorisedtrips, tampering of the device, deviation of the vehicle from authorizedroutes, or other events that are deemed unusual based on criteria to bedetermined by the BOC.

The system will initially be rolled out at the Manila International ContainerPort as well as the ports of Manila and Batangas next month, followed by theports in Cebu, Davao, Subic and Clark in July.

The BOC hopes to fully implement the E-TRACC system across all ports nationwideby August./.