BOC rolls out new 3-years accreditation rule for importers

BUREAU of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno continue to show that stakeholders can rely on his policy pronouncements as the agency announced the rollout of the new rules extending the accreditation of importers from one year to three years.

In an announcement last April 14, the BOC said Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Frederick Go has signed Customs Administrative Order (CAO) 1-2026 last April 9.

The new change is among the major policy reforms Nepomuceno announced right after his appointment to the top Customs post in July 2025, an announcement that was widely welcomed by waterfront stakeholders (Pinoy Exposé, July 22, 2025).

The reform supports President Ferdinand R. 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.

It is also expected to assist the agency in delivering faster, simpler, and more reliable services for businesses and stakeholders by reducing repetitive requirements and improving overall transaction efficiency.

The previous one-year accreditation rule requires annual renewals, repeated document submissions, and multiple compliance steps. These processes resulted in delays, increased administrative costs, and added burden on importers.

On the other hand, CAO 1-2026 reduces repetitive processes, lowers compliance costs, and simplifies procedures, resulting in a more efficient and predictable system.

“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. 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,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.

CAO 1-2026 also mandates for a one-time accreditation fee of ₱5,000 covering the entire 3-years period that is expected to reduce the overall costs for applicants.

The BOC shall also grant “automatic renewal” to importers with at least six consecutive years of good standing or those accredited under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and Super Green Lane (SGL) programs.

To ensure accountability and continuous compliance, importers will be required to submit an Annual Reportorial Compliance (ARC) falling within 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 7 working days, further improving efficiency.

CAO 1-2026 also aligns with CAO 5-2019 which provides 3-years registration validity for customs brokers, further aligning the agency’s accreditation frameworks across key players in the import process towards a more cohesive and streamlined customs regulatory environment.

In a brief statement, Secretary Go emphasized the importance of the reform in supporting business growth and in improving the business environment.

“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,” Secretary Go said.

The CAO will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.