Section V-Operational Procedures of CAO 12-80 re: Rules and Regulations Governing the Stay of Containers Amending CAO 7-78 is further amended to read as follows:

SECTION V.      Operational Procedures

C.        Stay of Containers

C.1    Empty Containers

Containers arriving as empties shall be re-shipped within one hundred fifty (150) days counted from the date of last discharge.

C.2    Loaded Containers

Containers stuffed with imported cargoes shall be reshipped within one hundred fifty (150) days counted from the date of return of the empty containers to the shipping line as evidenced by the Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR) issued by the line and signed by the party receiving and/or delivering the containers.

C.3           The staying period above-prescribed may be extended for such length of time as may be determined by the Collector of Customs under the following circumstances:

C.3.1       Repair of seriously damaged containers is being made;

C.3.2       Containers are being held in custody by the Bureau of Customs for suspected violation of Customs laws, rules and regulations;

C.3.3       Containers loaded with import cargoes have not yet been cleared by the Bureau of Customs;

C.3.4       Other valid and extremely meritorious cases.

Containers which have not been reshipped within the period aforementioned or within the period of extension granted, if any, shall be treated as any imported commodity subject to payment of duties, taxes and other charges.

This order shall take effect upon approval of the Secretary of Finance.

Adopted: 21 July 1997