Cotecna Inspection SA, Philippines announced that they received on November 16, 2009 accreditation from the Committee for Accreditation of Cargo Surveying Companies (CACSC), as a bulk and break bulk surveyor for cargo entering the Philippines.

CACSC was created by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo under Administrative Order (AO) 243-A which seeks to ensure the payment of correct duties and taxes on bulk and break bulk cargo and facilitate their release from the Bureau of Customs (BoC) through their inspection by accredited surveying companies at their port of origin. Cotecna is the first company to have complied with the requirements set by the Philippine government for this program which took effect January 4, 2010.

Bulk cargo pertains to products such as oil or grain while break bulk cargo refers to steel coils, chemicals and logs which are stored in boxes, pallets or other individual units.

The objective of this AO is aimed at streamlining import procedures for bulk and break bulk cargo imports. As an accredited surveyor, Cotecna is required to issue a report on the quantity, grade, etc. of all cargo shipments bound for the Philippines.

The importer complying with this procedure is able to file entries for the imported goods and pay duties, taxes and other fees at the pre-shipment stage. Confirmation of this procedure will permit the importer to rapidly clear Customs upon arrival.