-
The Bureau of Customs recently launched the Authorized Economic Operator Operational Guidelines that outline the program’s processes and ensure uniformity in practices
-
Traders accredited under the AEO program benefit from streamlined customs procedures, reduced clearance times, and mutual recognition arrangements with other customs administrations
-
The guidelines provide stakeholders with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities under the program
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) launched on October 2 the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Operational Guidelines that outline processes; ensure uniformity in practices; and provide stakeholders with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities under the program.
Traders accredited under the AEO program benefit from streamlined customs procedures, reduced clearance times, and mutual recognition arrangements with other customs administrations.
Launched by the BOC in December 2019, the program represents a customs-to-business partnership that seeks to enhance international supply chain security and facilitate movement of legitimate goods; it is in compliance with the country’s commitment to the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.
For now, only importers and exporters may seek accreditation for the AEO program but the BOC has said it is committed to expanding the program to other stakeholders in the supply chain, including freight forwarders, customs brokers, manufacturers, carriers and warehouses.
In April, Interim AEO Office head and Export Coordination Division chief Atty. Jenny Diokno said the agency has drafted an executive order that will transition members of BOC’s Super Green Lane (SGL) Facility to become accredited under the AEO program. The intention is for the AEO program to eventually replace the SGL Facility.
Under the AEO program, there are three levels of accreditation with corresponding benefits.
Benefits of a Level 1 member include exemption from renewing accreditation, self-assessment, supplementary goods declaration, and a dedicated help desk.
For Level 2 members, benefits include those for Level 1 plus a dedicated processing lane, advance clearance process, periodic lodgement, one-time exemption certificate, and expedited customs clearance for exports.
A Level 3 member will have extended additional benefits that the customs commissioner, in consultation with the AEO Office, will identify.
Five companies have passed AEO accreditation as of February 2025: Toyota Motors Philippines Corp., Panasonic Manufacturing Corp., and Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Inc. (formerly Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc.)—all upgraded to Level 2 accreditation—and Sony Philippines, Inc. and Brother Industries (Phils.), Inc. currently under Level 1.
The AEO operational guidelines were developed under the ARISE Plus (ASEAN Regional Integration Support by the EU) Philippines project, funded by the European Union.
READ: Authorized Economic Operator program guidelines issued
