DOF okays guidelines to boost PH, regional digital interconnectivity

THE Department of Finance under Secretary Frederick Go has approved the guidelines proposed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) establishing clear and simplified customs rules for the temporary admission of international cable-laying and repair vessels in the Philippines.

Customs Administrative Order (CAO) 02-2026 establishes a transparent framework governing the temporary admission of International Cable-Laying and Repair Vessels (ICLRVs) used for the survey, installation, maintenance, upgrading, and repair of submarine cable systems, including seabed cable-support activities for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and offshore energy-generation systems.

The regulation aligns Philippine customs procedures with international standards under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and the Istanbul Convention, while helping reduce delays and operational costs for critical infrastructure projects.

Under CAO No. 02-2026, qualified foreign cable-laying and repair vessels may temporarily enter the country without paying import duties and taxes, provided they are used exclusively for authorized submarine cable projects and are re-exported after completing their operations.

The Order also introduces simplified procedures for vessels staying in Philippine waters for short periods, allowing faster processing and reducing administrative requirements while maintaining customs supervision and compliance safeguards.

In addition, the regulation allows these vessels to move between project sites and ports without repeatedly filing new import documents, making operations more efficient for large-scale infrastructure projects that cover multiple locations.

Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the issuance reflects the agency’s commitment to supporting national development through modern and responsive customs policies.

The BOC also emphasized that while the vessels themselves may receive temporary duty and tax relief, materials such as cables, pipes, and other imported equipment remain subject to existing customs laws and importation requirements.

“This initiative helps create a more efficient environment for projects that improve the country’s digital connectivity and critical infrastructure.

“By streamlining customs procedures while maintaining proper safeguards, we are supporting investments that benefit businesses, communities, and the Filipino public,” Commissioner Nepomuceno stressed.

CAO No. 02-2026 was officially published on July 2, 2026, and will take effect on July 17 or fifteen days following its official publication.