What is the proper format of the TIN ID? The manifest? The BL?
TIN ID: 9 digit number. No special characters like dash (-) or slash (/). (Ex: 123456789).

Manifest: 3 letters + 4 numbers + dash (-) + year. (Ex: APL0123-00)

Note: For NAIA lodgement, use the assigned Manifest number. (Ex: 495)


BL : Composed of numbers and letters or numbers only.
(Please see instruction for NAIA)


Note: (FOR NAIA ONLY) Please encode the Master Airway Bill, Packaging and Gross Weight in the container no. field. If Direct Flight in PSI and CARGOHOUSE warehouse, please encode the
word DIRECT in container no. field and Master Airway Bill in box 40. If Direct Flight in PAIRCARGO warehouse, please encode the Master Airway Bill in container no. field and the word DIRECT or NONE in box 40.

MIASCOR (NAIA ONLY) Please encode the Master Airway Bill, Gross Weight and Packaging
in the container number field and House Airway Bill (numeric only in box 40a. If DIRECT
FLIGHT, please encode the word DIRECT in container number field and Master Airway Bill in
box 40a.

What is the bank reference number?

The bank reference number is a number used by BOC to check whether there is a match between the actual payment made to the bank against the amount payable as assessed by ACOS. It is an eight (8) digit number, which should be unique and is not duplicated. Otherwise, you will receive an error message from ACOS. If you are the declarant or user, always check the range of your assigned bank reference number. For additional Bank Reference Number, please call the Client Service Hotline at 845-0509.

What about box number 44?
Box number 44 contains 2 check boxes.
[Other charges in transaction value and insurance in freight.]


If other cost "box 9c" is blank under the Financial window, other charges in transaction value must be checked. Otherwise it must be unchecked.


If insurance cost "box 9b" under the Financial window is blank, insurance in freight must be checked. Otherwise it must be unchecked.

What is the check box for?
The rule with this check box is - if the particular shipment is under LC, then the box should not be checked. If it not under LC, then it must be checked. Remember:
With LC = uncheck Without LC = checked.

What version of windows can I use?
Customs Workstation System (CWS) will work on the following operating systems: Windows 95b, Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), Windows Millennium Edition (ME).
It will NOT work properly on Windows NT or Windows 2000.




What if my system (PC) is corrupted and there is a need to use another PC?
Always backup the Data under CWS folder in the directory. Once you installed CWS in another PC, copy the backup Data folder then paste (overwrite) it to your new CWS folder. Please call Client Service Officer for more details and assistance at 845-0509.




Why do I need to have my manifests checked (POM and MICP)?
The manifest number is a mandatory field on ACOS servers and cannot be blank. Also, when submitting declarations, manifests must be present in ACOS servers otherwise; it will generate an error response message. Please have the following information available when verifying your manifests: manifest number, bill of lading (BL), number of packages, gross weight and port (POM or MICP). Please check with your shipping lines if they already forwarded the manifest information to ACOS before sending the declaration.

What is post-entry?

Although there are many validations to prevent most errors in the system, there are still some text boxes that should not be validated by either the front end or ACOS. Therefore we encourage you to double-check your entries before sending. However, in the unfortunate event that there may be unacceptable discrepancies, there is still hope. The post-entry process is done to make corrections or to delete the entire entry. We do not recommend this process, as it is tedious and time consuming. Again we urge you to check all entries before sending.
Note: Please see Post Entry Procedure for more details.

When should I update my system?

Generally, the exchange rate and other updates are issued every Friday afternoon. Please update your system Monday morning by clicking the receive button.

Do I have to be connected to encode in CWS?

No. Simply encode all the necessary details offline, queue data and click the send button. The system will automatically connect you to our servers and will disconnect after sending.

Can I use ISP instead of Dial up?
Yes. Your IT in charged should communicate with Client Service Officer for some technical adjustment in the systems.

How do I check my error message?
Simply open the entry and click file > response

What if I get the message 'error, no dial tone'?
Please check if the modem is turned on and it is properly connected to the telephone. If possible, try to connect again after shutting down your computer and modem.

What if I received ERROR "No Error Code Found in Error Table"?
Please note Application Reference Number, Port and declarant TIN ID then call Client Service Officer hotline at 845-0509.

What if my declaration is AFTA exempted?
Please select exemption in box 36. Other exemption is included in this box.
Note: Always remember that if you open the CWS Item Page module, this field is
editable specially Box Number 36 Pref. Be sure that exemption is selected in
box 36. then Update the system before you close the declaration.

What if my Tariff Rate (HSCodes) is not updated?
Please note the Tariff code then call the Client Service hotline at 845-0509. The officer in charge will then send to you the updated tariff code.

What is Consolidated Page?
Consolidated Page is same with Item Page. If you change or edit some data's in Item Page, it is also advisable to edit the Consolidated Page.

Can I delete the Application Reference Number in Queue Declaration for Submission Module?
No.

How long should I wait the response message from BoC.
The commitment of the BoC is 30 minutes to 1 hour.

What if the number of Gross Weight or Package is lesser than the number of Items?
Please coordinate with the ACOS officer.

Can I lodge Loose Cargo in SGL?
Yes.

What if my declaration has more than one Invoice Number?
You can use forward slash (/). [Ex. 123455/67890/246810]

What if I have more than 4 Containers to be filled in Container Number fields?

Container Number fields are not mandatory boxes. You may also use marks and numbers fields.

What if I get the error BL is not import?
Please coordinate with the ACOS officer.