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The Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark is now processing applications under a new system that fast tracks aircraft parts processing in Clark Freeport Zone
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MRO–F.A.S.T. (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul – Facilitated Access for Services and Trade) was launched in June, on expectation of more shipments from MRO operators in Clark
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The system is designed to help businesses engaged in aircraft maintenance, repair, overhaul operations by cutting down on paperwork, removing the bond requirement, and allowing auto-approval for recurring shipments of aircraft parts
The Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark (BOC-Clark) is now processing applications under a new system that fast tracks aircraft parts processing in the Clark Freeport Zone.
The MRO–F.A.S.T. (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul–Facilitated Access for Services and Trade) is a system launched jointly by BOC and Clark Development Corp. (CDC) in June to simplify and accelerate the admission and re-exportation of aircraft parts for aviation businesses. BOC and CDC on May 30 signed a joint memorandum order (JMO) and a manifesto of support to formalize their partnership.
The launch of MRO-F.A.S.T. comes at a time of expected influx of shipments from MRO operators in Clark, “per communication with the MRO industry,” BOC-Clark Bonds Unit assistant chief Chris David Demaro told PortCalls in an interview at the sidelines of the recent 3rd Central Luzon Transport & Trade Conference and Exhibit 2025 in Clark Marriott Hotel in Pampanga. The conference was jointly organized by PortCalls and the Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association, Inc.
Demaro said they also expect several MRO operators “will be transferring to Clark,” including their clients.
In a presentation during the conference, Demaro said MRO-F.A.S.T. is designed to help businesses engaged in aircraft maintenance, repair, overhaul operations by cutting down on paperwork, removing the bond requirement, and allowing auto-approval for recurring shipments of aircraft parts, particularly under CDC’s Electronic Transit Admission Permit (e-TAP).
The e-TAP is an electronic permit issued by CDC that authorizes the admission of goods into Clark Freeport Zone.
“This is especially critical during on-ground scenarios where fast access to replacement parts is essential to avoid cost delays,” Demaro said.
MRO-F.A.S.T. streamlines import processing of aircraft materials for internal use of aircraft operators and not for commercial sale. This includes importation of customer-supplied materials or aircraft components or parts needed for regular operations of an aircraft, such as aircraft engines and their parts.
Demaro said the system facilitates importation of service materials for aircraft components, which were previously exported for repair or maintenance. These are aircraft parts exported for servicing through a foreign service center and usually returned for closed-loop repair, he added.
MRO-F.A.S.T. also expedites the processing of export transactions, such as return to source or origin of unutilized materials or removed unserviceable parts. This includes exportation of serviceable aircraft components in their end-of-life phase.
Additionally, it covers export of aircraft components not intended for sale, disposal, or independent repair activity to third parties, other than the original source of origin.
Moreover, the system aims to enhance the exportation process for defective aircraft components, which need to undergo closed or open loop repairs. Demaro said this is crucial to ensure that operations of aircraft operators in Clark remain continuous and unimpeded. – Roumina Pablo
