Trade Policy & Procedures Simplification

14th February 2025

BOC-NAIA holds first CICAC general assembly for 2025, strengthens industry collaboration

The Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), led by District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa, convened its first General Assembly with the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) for 2025.

The assembly provided key updates from 2024, highlighting BOC-NAIA’s border protection efforts and the total number of seized goods by commodity from January to December. Confiscated items included drugs, foreign and local currencies, medicines, and other regulated products.

3rd January 2025

Navigating the Digital Age: A new vision of cross- border trade

The recent seminar on cross-border trade hosted by InterCommerce at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel brought together key players from the Pan Asian e-Commerce Alliance (PAA). The event focused on the transformative role of digital innovation in global trade and underscored the importance of international collaboration to address emerging challenges.

Accelerating Digital Transformation in Trade
Central to the discussions was the Framework Agreement on Cross-Border Paperless Trade Facilitation, which aims to streamline customs processes and reduce bureaucratic barriers. By adopting advanced technologies, countries can expedite goods movement, enhance efficiency, and lower costs, significantly benefiting businesses involved in global trade.

13th September 2024

BOC and PHILEXPORT Strengthen Partnership to Enhance Trade Facilitation

At the 6th Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) meeting, held at Rizal Park Hotel, Kalaw Avenue, representatives from the Bureau of Customs (BOC), PHILEXPORT, and other key stakeholders gathered to address ongoing challenges in trade facilitation. The discussions focused on significant trade concerns raised in previous meetings, including the ATA Carnet system under Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) 8-2024, the draft CMO on Customs Administrative Order (CAO) No. 02-2024 related to dues, fees, and charges, and a proposal to extend the validity of Account Management Office (AMO) accreditation/renewal for compliant companies by one year.

13th September 2024

PRISM: ARTA’s E-Learning System for Enhanced Regulatory Practices

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has launched the Policy Reform, Innovation, and Streamlining Management (PRISM) system, an e-learning platform aimed at modernizing its capacity-building initiatives to better serve stakeholders and government partners.

PRISM offers a variety of features, including pre-recorded videos, interactive slides, quizzes, worksheets, assessments, and live chat functionality. Currently, it includes two courses: the Executive Briefing on Regulatory Management System (RMS) & RIA and the Introductory Course on Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA).

21st August 202422nd August 2024

ATA Carnet System Launch: A Game-Changer for Philippine Exporters

The Philippines has achieved a major milestone with the grand launch of the ATA Carnet system—a “passport for goods” facilitating the temporary importation of products without customs duties or taxes. Officially launched on July 15, 2024, at the Manila Hotel, this international customs document is set to transform how Philippine businesses engage in global trade.

22nd July 202422nd August 2024

DTI and PHILEXPORT collaborates to promote Free Trade Agreement benefits

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the Export Development Council Meeting on 11 June 2024 to formalize the partnership between the two organizations in promoting the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) benefits.

22nd July 2024

BOC revision of rules in Ata Carnet

The first successful use of the ATA Carnet for temporary admission took place in Switzerland on October 20, 2019, with subsequent operations following in Belgium, China, and Russia. During the pilot phase, participation was limited to selected Customs offices in these four countries. The tests verified that the eATA system functions effectively and that the ICC’s digital tools meet expectations. To support the adoption of eATA Carnets by national Customs agencies, the WCO ATA/Istanbul Administrative Committee approved a standardized notification template on November 16, 2020.

22nd July 2024

The Philippines and Indonesia successfully conducted the exchange of electronic phytosanitary certificates

The Philippines participated in e-Phyto certificate exchange during the 67th ASEAN Single window meeting. E-Phyto serves as the digital counterpart to a phytosanitary certificate, allowing data to be defined and shared in a standardized manner. The Philippines began exchanging e-Phyto certificates with Indonesia on June 10, 2024, through the Bureau of Customs (BOC) (e-Phyto) Management Portal.

20th June 202420th June 2024

ATA Carnet implementation slated in July!

The ATA Carnet, also known as the “Passport of Goods,” is finally slated for implementation on 15 July 2024. This long-awaited development will allow exporters to enjoy tax-free and streamlined temporary admission of goods into member countries.

20th June 2024

EDC and BOC Strengthen Collaboration to Streamline Customs and Boost Trade

The Export Development Council (EDC) has bolstered its collaboration with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and its consultative bodies, the Central Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) and BOC – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) CICAC, to streamline customs processes and enhance partnerships between the government and private stakeholders. CICAC acts as a bridge between the BOC and the business-industrial sector, addressing customs and industry-related issues, promoting mutual understanding, and strengthening relationships.