The Bureau of Customs (BOC), led by Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, is prominently showcased in a recent publication by the World Customs Organization (WCO) for its commitment in fostering professionalism and excellence among its personnel, resulting in significant achievements in trade facilitation and customs performance.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) efficiently distributed 87 balikbayan boxes to 68 claimants at Port Net Logistics CFS Warehouse in Sta. Ana, Manila, on October 26, 2023. Leading the distribution efforts were Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael C. Fermin of the Internal Administration Group, District Collector Romeo Allan R. Rosales of the Manila International Container Port (MICP), and MICP Deputy Collector for Operations, Atty. Edward R. Ibera.

The Bureau of Customs-Port of Zamboanga (BOC-POZ), through its Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), in coordination with the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company “Seaborne”, confiscated P24.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes along the waters off Brgy. Sinunuc, Zamboanga City, on October 20, 2023.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has partnered with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPOST) for the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This initiative aims to intensify efforts to enhance trade facilitation programs, focusing on improving the speed, security, and quality of customs clearance for postal items.

In furtherance of the campaign of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) against illegal drugs, the BOC-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), apprehended a Malaysian traveller, who originated from Madagascar via Addis Ababa through Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 644, carrying packages of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride concealed inside his luggage.

The Bureau of Customs – Port of Limay seized a truck carrying 40,000 liters of smuggled fuel valued at P2.4 million.

On October 5, 2023, in an early morning operation led by Acting District Collector Guillermo Pedro A. Francia, authorities observed a fuel loaded truck attempting to pass through the checkpoint, which when flagged down failed to present proper documentation.

The 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS) signed the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) of their respective Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programmes on 19 September 2023. The ASEAN AEO MRA (AAMRA) seeks to provide a predictable and transparent trading environment among AMS.

On October 6, 2023, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) formally lodged two criminal complaints with the Department of Justice against importers engaged in the illicit importation of chemicals and used helicopters, along with associated parts.

The Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) personnel attended a seminar on the Principles of Chemical Management that marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and enhancing the competency of the agency in the realm of chemical management.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reaffirms its commitment in building robust connections and fostering shared learning among customs administrations by hosting the 34th Meeting of the ASEAN Customs Enforcement and Compliance Working Group (CECWG) in Davao City from October 3 to 5, 2023.