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The Bureau of Customs and the Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc. signed a new memorandum of agreement to strengthen cooperation against smuggling and other illegal activities in major ports nationwide
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The MOA reinforces Customs Memorandum Order No. 01-2011, which contains the rules and regulations for the implementation of the BOC-FPI agreement signed on November 19, 2010
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Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and FPI chairperson Elizabeth Lee signed the new MOA on Wednesday, Oct 8
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Under the renewed agreement, FPI’s industry technical experts will be accredited by the BOC to assist in inspecting high-risk shipments
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A joint monitoring committee will also be formed that will meet regularly and issue reports
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The MOA contains provisions to protect data privacy and confidential information
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc. (FPI) signed a new memorandum of agreement (MOA) to strengthen cooperation against smuggling and other illegal activities in major ports nationwide.
The MOA reinforces Customs Memorandum Order No. 01-2011, which contains the rules and regulations for the implementation of the BOC-FPI agreement signed on November 19, 2010.
Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and FPI chairperson Elizabeth Lee signed the new MOA on Wednesday, October 8, during the 2025 Business Summit organized by the FPI, the umbrella organization of Philippine manufacturers and producers.
Under the renewed agreement, FPI’s industry technical experts (ITEs) will be accredited by the BOC to assist in inspecting high-risk shipments to ensure compliance with the Philippine National Standards (PNS) and other regulations.
The FPI will also deploy technical experts to support customs inspections, with corresponding disclosures on potential conflicts of interests.
The agreement covers major ports, including Manila, Subic, Batangas, Cebu, and Davao.
The ITEs will provide reports to the BOC, which will have the responsibility to act on the findings within seven days.
A joint monitoring committee will also be formed. It will meet quarterly to discuss implementation of policies and regulations, and other concerns. It will issue a report on the year’s accomplishments and other results.
The FPI will deploy technical experts to support customs inspections, with corresponding disclosures on potential conflicts of interests.
The MOA also contains provisions to protect data privacy and confidential information.
It will be in effect for three years and may be renewed with adjustments based on continuing discussions on existing policies, regulations, and other trade- and customs-related issues.
