Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno is advancing significant reforms at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) by extending the validity of importer accreditation to three (3) years. This proactive measure, in direct response to stakeholder sentiments and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve ease of doing business, updates Customs Administrative Order No. 07-2022. This amendment extends the accreditation validity from one year to three years, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, integrity, and minimize opportunities for corruption.

The change will not only reduce the administrative burden on importers but also simplify the process, allowing them to focus more on their operations rather than annual renewals. This shift is expected to lead to smoother trade transactions, reducing unnecessary delays and fostering a more predictable regulatory environment for businesses.

As part of the new amendment, the processing fee will be adjusted from PHP 2,000 to PHP 5,000 for the accreditation which shall be valid for 3 years. This increase will help the BOC better manage the growing demands and enhance the accreditation system’s efficiency. Additionally, the application form will be updated to include additional fields, ensuring more accurate data collection and improving compliance monitoring.

To maintain transparency and accountability, the amendment will also require importers to submit an annual reportorial compliance 30 days before the anniversary of their accreditation. This report will summarize any updates to business documents or information, ensuring that the BOC is consistently up to date on the status of accredited importers.

In response to stakeholders’ feedback, the proposal also outlines clear guidelines for the automatic renewal of accreditations, simplifying the process for eligible importers.

Commissioner Nepomuceno stated, “We are committed to making the accreditation process more efficient for importers while upholding transparency and accountability in our operations. By streamlining procedures and reducing opportunities for discretion, these reforms will help deter corruption and promote a more honest and service-oriented Bureau of Customs.”

The BOC is currently reviewing the draft amendment with its legal team to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations. Once the review is completed, the BOC will take the necessary steps to implement the proposed changes.

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