Importers and customs brokers will soon benefit from a longer accreditation period as a Customs Administrative Order (CAO) extending importer accreditation validity from one (1) year to three (3) years has been approved and signed by Finance Secretary Frederick Go, with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) set to implement the reform under Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.
Introduced by Nepomuceno in 2025, the reform supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to reduce red tape, improve ease of doing business, and strengthen trade competitiveness, with the Department of Finance backing the measure as part of broader efforts to streamline government processes.
Through this reform, the BOC will deliver faster, simpler, and more reliable services for businesses and stakeholders by reducing repetitive requirements and improving overall transaction efficiency.
Previously, importer accreditation was valid for only one (1) year, requiring annual renewals, repeated document submissions, and multiple compliance steps. These processes resulted in delays, increased administrative costs, and added burden on importers.
By listening to stakeholders and public sentiments, the BOC introduced this policy transformation to address these challenges. The new CAO reduces repetitive processes, lowers compliance costs, and simplifies procedures, resulting in a more efficient and predictable system.
“We listened to our stakeholders and the public, and we acted.”
“These reforms reflect the kind of service we are building at the Bureau, grounded in integrity, driven by accountability, and enabled by modernization. We listened to our stakeholders and the public, and we acted,” the customs chief said.
“We are removing unnecessary burdens on compliant importers while strengthening our systems to ensure transparency and fairness. Our commitment is clear – efficient, predictable, and people-centered customs service that businesses can trust and the public can rely on,” the customs head added.
Under the new CAO, importer accreditation will be valid for three (3) years instead of one (1) year. A one-time accreditation fee of ₱5,000 will apply for the three-year period, reducing overall costs for importers. The BOC will grant automatic renewal to importers with at least six (6) consecutive years of good standing or those accredited under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and Super Green Lane programs.
To ensure accountability and continuous compliance, importers will be required to submit an Annual Reportorial Compliance (ARC) within thirty (30) days from their accreditation anniversary. Failure to comply may result in suspension or revocation. Renewal applications with complete documents will be processed through the Customer Care Portal System (CCPS) within seven (7) working days, further improving efficiency.
This reform complements existing policies, including CAO 5-2019 which likewise provides three (3) year registration validity for customs brokers, further aligning accreditation frameworks across key players in the import process and reinforcing a more cohesive and streamlined customs regulatory environment.
The finance chief emphasized the importance of the reform in supporting business growth and improving trade systems.
“By extending the validity of importer accreditation, we are reducing red tape and enabling a more efficient trade system.”
“By extending the validity of importer accreditation, we are reducing red tape and enabling a more efficient trade system that can meet growing consumer demand and support local industries. This reform allows businesses to focus more on operations and growth rather than administrative requirements,” Go said.
The CAO will take effect 15 days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Developed through consultations with stakeholders, the reforms reflect the Bureau’s commitment to responsive governance. These measures advance the BOC’s IAM program, Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization, by promoting transparency, enforcing compliance, and delivering modern, efficient customs services that directly benefit the Filipino people.
