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BOC is moving to expand its Authorized Economic Operator Program beyond importers and exporters
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Expansion is supported by the World Customs Organization through the UK-funded Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme
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Five-day workshop focused on AEO validation and pilot preparation for other supply chain players
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Customs brokers and freight forwarders were included in site visits and practical exercises
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Program aligns with WCO SAFE Framework and WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement
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BOC aims to strengthen customs-business partnerships and reduce supply chain risks
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is accelerating efforts to expand its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program beyond importers and exporters, with technical support from the World Customs Organization (WCO) under the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme funded by the United Kingdom’s HM Revenue and Customs.
The initiative was reinforced through a five-day capacity-building workshop that focused on practical AEO validation, including site visits to customs brokers and freight forwarders. The activity aimed to strengthen customs-business partnerships and enhance risk management across the international supply chain.
The workshop also centered on the BOC’s preparations to pilot the AEO Program with a broader range of economic operators involved in cross-border trade.
These include freight forwarders, customs brokers, manufacturers, carriers, and warehouse operators, in line with the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards and Article 7.7 of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.
By integrating additional stakeholders into the AEO framework, the BOC said the Philippines is laying the groundwork for a more secure and efficient trading environment, while supporting economic growth and improving supply chain resilience across the region.
The BOC formally launched its AEO Operational Guidelines on October 2, 2025, outlining standardized processes and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of participating traders. Accredited AEOs benefit from streamlined customs procedures, reduced clearance times, and potential mutual recognition arrangements with other customs administrations.
READ: BOC launches AEO operational guidelines
Introduced in December 2019, the AEO Program is a customs-to-business partnership designed to enhance international supply chain security while facilitating the movement of legitimate goods. The program aligns with the Philippines’ commitments under the WCO SAFE Framework to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.
While accreditation is currently limited to importers and exporters, the BOC reiterated its commitment to broadening the program’s coverage to other key players in the supply chain as part of its broader trade facilitation and modernization agenda.
