BOC enhances trade efficiency for CY/CFS cargoes

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) recently issued a memorandum order (CMO) aimed at further enhancing trade efficiency for cargoes processed by Off-Dock Container Yards and Container Freight Stations (CFS), including Off-Terminal Customs Facilities and Warehouses (CFWs).

In an announcement, the agency said CMO 02-2025 was issued, amending for the purpose the provisions of CMO 41 2015.

Under the new guidelines, off-dock service providers will apply a unified charging system for various logistics activities, including storage, documentation, transfer, and handling of shipments.

The order also institutes an automatic and proportionate mechanism for adjusting these charges in line with increases in arrastre and wharfage fees as determined by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), to ensure that rate changes are fair, transparent, and tied to actual cost movements.

The new guidelines also establish clear ceilings for fees and surcharges on special cargo, including oversized, hazardous, or high-value goods. Henceforth, ‘incidental charges’ must now be supported by proof of cost and are subject to reimbursement rules, ensuring that clients only pay for services actually rendered.

The standardized rates under CMO 02 2025 are set to take effect on July 19, 2025.

A copy of the guidelines can be downloaded at the BOC’s official website at https://customs.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025CMO-02-2025.pdf.