THE longer accreditation for importers finally implemented under the leadership of Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, continues to gather widespread support with the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP), the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), the Chinese Filipino Business Club (CFBCI) and the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) composing the latest batch of vital waterfront stakeholders welcoming the development.
In its statement last April 15, the ECCP commended the Department of Finance (DOF), under the leadership of Secretary Frederick D. Go and the BOC, under Nepomuceno, for advancing a reform that enhances trade facilitation and strengthens the country’s investment climate.
The ECCP underscored that the longer accreditation validity and lower fees reduce administrative requirements for importers, allowing businesses to focus more on productivity and growth.
The group further noted that the reform contributes to a more transparent, efficient, and competitive trade environment, consistent with national objectives for sustainable economic development.
After several years and several Customs commissioners later, the BOC announced the issuance of Customs Administrative Order (CAO) 1-2026, which was approved by Finance Secretary Go last April 9.
It extends the validity of importer accreditation from one year to three years, reducing the frequency of renewals and easing compliance burdens for stakeholders while also effectively reducing their registration fees.
The passage of the reform was made possible through the full backing of Finance Secretary Go and the sustained consultations with industry partners.
Its implementation, after years of delay, is among the key policy reforms announced by Nepomuceno when he was appointed to the top Customs post by President Marcos in July 2025 (Pinoy Exposé, April 15, 2026 and Pinoy Exposé, July 22, 2025).
In separate congratulatory statements, the FPI, CFBCI and the PISI also welcomed the release of CAO 1-2026.
The business groups noted that the measure introduces meaningful and business-friendly reforms that improve efficiency while enhancing the country’s competitiveness in regional and international trade.
Similarly, they also commended Commissioner Nepomuceno for steering reforms that advance ease of doing business, support legitimate enterprises, and affirm the indispensable role of the private sector in sustaining economic growth.
“This initiative would not have moved forward without the support of our Finance Secretary and the continued partnership of stakeholders who openly shared recommendations through productive consultations.
“Ultimately, this policy is not only about reducing red tape, but also a clear demonstration that the BOC is serious in taking steps to make trade easier, faster, and more responsive,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
Exporters are covered too
Not to be left behind, Commissioner Nepomuceno issued a memorandum last April 24 extending the same privilege to exporters thru the agency’s ‘Client Profile Registration System’ (CPRS).
Under the memorandum, the Management Information System and Technology Group (MISTG) has been directed to configure the CPRS to reflect the prescribed validity period.
The measure is consistent with Customs Administrative Order (CAO) No. 08-2020, which requires exporters to be registered in the CPRS prior to engaging in export activities.
Moving forward, exporter registration shall now be valid for three years upon registration, unless sooner deactivated, suspended, or cancelled in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
All District Collectors have been directed to ensure the proper implementation of the prescribed validity period, including the verification and updating of exporter registration records.