The Bureau of Customs (BOC) officially published Customs Administrative Order (CAO) No. 02-2025 on May 31, 2025, introducing key amendments and clarifications to CAO No. 02-2024 on customs dues, fees, and charges. In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to streamline government processes and promote ease of doing business, the issuance of this updated order reflects the agency’s continued efforts to make customs procedures more transparent, predictable, and responsive to the needs of stakeholders.

CAO No. 02-2025 introduces revisions across key areas. These include clearer provisions on vessel supervision fees and underguarding fees for the transfer of goods at both seaports and airports. The order also refines the computation and application of the Import Processing Charge, formerly referred to as the Import Processing Fee.

The updated order made adjustments to the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Application Charge based on enterprise size, clarifies fees for the cancellation or modification of goods declarations due to clerical errors, and requires the standard payment of the Customs Documentary Stamp, Documentary Stamp Tax, and Legal Research Fund for every document issued.

In recognition of the operational realities faced by Customs personnel, the CAO introduces a new section detailing the reimbursement of daily travel expenses, transportation costs, and lodging for authorized personnel rendering services outside their official stations. These reimbursements are to be governed by the provisions of Executive Order No. 77, s. 2019, and are intended to support the efficiency and well-being of field-deployed Customs officers.

Furthermore, the BOC has announced the deferment Aircraft Supervision Fee under CAO 2-2024 and the implementation of which shall commence on May 1, 2025. In addition, the temporary suspension of the Certificate of Origin Processing Charge is temporarily suspended until lifted by the Commissioner and approved by the Secretary of Finance. Air Express Cargo Operators (AECOs) are likewise exempted from several customs fees due to the specialized nature of their operations, in line with the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and existing issuances.

CAO No. 02-2025 will take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication or on June 15, 2025. The full text of the CAO is available on the Bureau of Customs website at https://customs.gov.ph/.

Under the leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, the Bureau remains steadfast in enhancing its policies and services to support trade facilitation while ensuring that customs operations remain fair, accountable, and aligned with global standards. “This issuance reflects our commitment to continuously improve customs procedures and build a more transparent, efficient, and responsive agency for all stakeholders,” Commissioner Rubio said.