MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday announced the temporary suspension of the Clearance Procedure under the Green Lane to simplify and expedite customs clearance for travelers at airport terminals. 

According to Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, effective Aug. 14, passengers in the Green Lane will no longer be required to have their QR (Quick Response) codes scanned. 

In the country, arriving passengers are required to register through the eTravel app and accomplish the Customs Declaration Form before arrival.

A QR code is then generated for all passengers, regardless of whether they have goods or currency to declare. 

Upon arrival, they are directed to the appropriate lane: Green Lane for those with “Nothing to Declare” and Red Lane for those with “Something to Declare” or for passengers selected for inspection based on risk assessment. 

On the other hand, travelers in the Red Lane, including those with “Something to Declare” and those selected through random, reasonable, or intelligence-based assessments, will still be required to undergo QR code scanning and the standard customs clearance process. 

Nepomuceno noted that the initiative was prompted by feedback from the traveling public regarding long queues at customs arrival areas.

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve government services, enhance process efficiency, and ensure a smooth travel experience, the bureau is implementing this adjustment to ease passenger flow while maintaining robust security protocols. 

Nepomuceno on Thursday inspected passenger traffic at the Customs Arrival Area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to assess the current system and identify opportunities for improvement. 

“We want our processes to be both traveler-friendly and security-focused. This initiative will help decongest arrival areas while ensuring that our enforcement responsibilities remain uncompromised,” he said in a statement.

During the inspection, Nepomuceno engaged with airport personnel, observed actual passenger processing, and reviewed the operational layout to ensure that the adjustment would be seamlessly integrated. (PNA)