BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
BOC And EU Project Push Major Customs Reforms To Boost Trade
Photo credit: BOC
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the European Union-funded ARISE Plus Philippines project have reached another milestone, wrapping up their 9th Output 4 Working Group Meeting with a strong focus on modernization and international trade reforms.
The meeting, which marked the close of Project Year 4 (March 2024–February 2025), celebrated major strides in streamlining customs processes, strengthening trade facilitation, and helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) compete globally.
Among the highlights was the signing of Customs Administrative Order (CAO) 01-2025, which regulates cross-border e-commerce importations, and a Memorandum of Agreement with PHLPost designed to speed up parcel clearance. The BOC also completed the technical framework for its Integrated Risk Management (IRM) portal and advanced its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, now expanding to include SMEs.
Capacity-building efforts also took center stage. Representatives from both government and the private sector underwent training on trade facilitation measures, while expert sessions delved into key topics such as e-commerce taxation, risk management, and customs modernization.
To ensure businesses stay informed and competitive, the project launched an online learning platform with the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) — a move aimed at making trade more efficient, cost-effective, and transparent.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno described the collaboration as a major step toward modernization, saying it’s helping build “a smarter, more agile, and globally aligned Bureau of Customs.”
Since its launch in 2021, ARISE Plus Philippines has been fully funded by the European Union, supporting inclusive economic growth by boosting the country’s trade performance, competitiveness, and integration into the global market.
The meeting, which marked the close of Project Year 4 (March 2024–February 2025), celebrated major strides in streamlining customs processes, strengthening trade facilitation, and helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) compete globally.
Among the highlights was the signing of Customs Administrative Order (CAO) 01-2025, which regulates cross-border e-commerce importations, and a Memorandum of Agreement with PHLPost designed to speed up parcel clearance. The BOC also completed the technical framework for its Integrated Risk Management (IRM) portal and advanced its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, now expanding to include SMEs.
Capacity-building efforts also took center stage. Representatives from both government and the private sector underwent training on trade facilitation measures, while expert sessions delved into key topics such as e-commerce taxation, risk management, and customs modernization.
To ensure businesses stay informed and competitive, the project launched an online learning platform with the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) — a move aimed at making trade more efficient, cost-effective, and transparent.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno described the collaboration as a major step toward modernization, saying it’s helping build “a smarter, more agile, and globally aligned Bureau of Customs.”
Since its launch in 2021, ARISE Plus Philippines has been fully funded by the European Union, supporting inclusive economic growth by boosting the country’s trade performance, competitiveness, and integration into the global market.
Oct 17, 2025
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