Customs bureau reviewing procedures for importers.

Byline: Prinz P. Magtulis

THE CUSTOMS bureau has started reviewing procedures for import clearance as part of efforts to curb smuggling and, consequently, increase revenue collections.

Specifically, the bureau has suspended the so-called "green lane" in order to plug reported loopholes in the wake of reports of abuse by suspected smugglers, Customs Commissioner Angelito A. Alvarez told reporters on Thursday last week. "We received reports that the green lane is being abused since it allows merely self-declaration [sic] of goods. So, I ordered that it be closed down temporarily until Nov. 15," Mr. Alvarez said.

He noted that about 20% of imports pass through …