THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has extended the period of importer accreditation from two years to five years to “enhance operational efficiency, uphold integrity, and minimize opportunities for corruption.”
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the measure was in response to President Marcos’ directive to improve ease of doing business in the country.
‘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,” Nepomuceno said in a statement.
Under the amendment, the accreditation processing fee will increase from P2,000 to P5,000, and the accreditation remaining valid for three years. This change is intended to help the BOC better handle growing demands and enhance the efficiency of the accreditation system.
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.
“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,” Nepomuceno said.
