The Commission for Accreditation of Cargo Surveying Companies (CACSC) recently accredited Intertek International Ltd. as the third surveying company to perform bulk and break bulk cargo surveying and inspection together with Cotecna Inspection SA and Bureau Veritas.

Intertek International Ltd. Is a British firm engaged in the business of cargo surveying and administers a Bulk and Break Bulk Cargo Clearance Enhancement Program. On record, the company was established in 1906 and has been engaged in cargo surveying for more than 100 years. Intertek is a member of the International Federation Federation of Inspection Agencies (IFIA).

Contrary to a newspaper report that the implementation of the new rules on break and break bulk shipmenmts have been postponed the CAGSC continues to receive and process applications for bulk and break bulk surveying and inspection firms. As a matter of fact, there are two (2) to three (3) more companies whose application for accreditation are pending consideration. These firms were tasked to submit their local permits and BIR registration.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Reynato S. Nicolas denies having spoken or have been interviewed by Mr. Edd Lopez of the Manila Bulletin. According to Deputy Commissioner Nicolas the newspaper report report is false and malicious and intended to derail the government efforts of maximizing its tax collection.

Under AO 243-A, an advance clearance system for bulk and break bulk cargoes are required in accordance with the objectives of the World Customs Organization International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization Customs Procedure otherwise known as Kyoto Convention. This administrative order is aimed at protecting and maximizing revenue collections and at the same time an anti-smuggling measure.