The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has successfully advanced digital trade facilitation in ASEAN with the live exchange of the electronic ASEAN Customs Declaration Document (ACDD) between the Philippines, Lao PDR, and Brunei, as officially announced by the ASEAN Secretariat. This milestone, made possible through the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) regional gateway, marks a significant step toward seamless and efficient cross-border trade in the region.

The BOC, in collaboration with the Department of Finance (DOF), oversees the ACDD exchange through the BOC-ACDD Management Portal, ensuring a seamless and efficient trade flow. The ACDD, a key document containing 15 mandatory parameters derived from the export declaration, enhances and expedites customs clearance processes and facilitates the appropriate application of preferential tariff rates.

Aside from Brunei and Lao PDR, the Philippines also actively exchanges the ACDD with other ASEAN Member States, including Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to digitalize vital government services to boost ease of doing business and combat corruption. 

With the successful integration of the ASEAN Customs Declaration Document (ACDD) system, the BOC, under the leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, reinforces its commitment to trade facilitation and regional cooperation. “This milestone strengthens our collaboration with ASEAN partners, ensuring a more efficient, transparent, and interconnected customs environment that benefits businesses and the economy,” said Commissioner Rubio, highlighting the system’s role in streamlining processes and enhancing trade efficiency.