THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced the release of a new administrative order approved by Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto that features key amendments and clarifications on customs dues, fees and charges and is to take effect on June 15.
In a statement, the agency said Customs Administrative Order (CAO) No. 02-2025, released last May 31, amended and clarified certain provisions of CAO No. 02-2024.
The BOC said the amendments are in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to streamline government processes and promote ease of doing business. “The issuance of this updated order reflects the agency’s continued efforts to make customs procedures more transparent, predictable, and responsive to the needs of stakeholders,” the statement explained.
CAO No. 02-2025 introduces revisions across key areas. These include clearer provisions on vessel supervision fees and underguarding fees for the transfer of goods at both seaports and airports.
The order also refines the computation and application of the Import Processing Charge (IPC), formerly referred to as the Import Processing Fee (IPF).
It also made adjustments to the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Application Charge based on enterprise size, clarifies fees for the cancellation or modification of goods declarations due to clerical errors, and requires the standard payment of the Customs Documentary Stamp, Documentary Stamp Tax, and Legal Research Fund for every document issued.
CAO No. 02-2025 also introduces a new section detailing the reimbursement of daily travel expenses, transportation costs, and lodging for authorized personnel rendering services outside their official stations.
These reimbursements are governed by the provisions of Executive Order No. 77 series of 2019, and are intended to support the efficiency and well-being of field-deployed Customs officers.
The BOC also said the Aircraft Supervision Fee under CAO 2-2024 shall commence effective from May 1, 2025.
Meanwhile collection of the Certificate of Origin Processing Charge is temporarily suspended until lifted by the Commissioner and approved by the Secretary of Finance.
Air Express Cargo Operators (AECOs) are likewise exempted from several customs fees due to the specialized nature of their operations, in line with the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and existing issuances.
The full text of the CAO is available on the Bureau of Customs website at https://customs.gov.ph/.