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Business groups have welcomed the new Bureau of Customs (BOC) policy extending importers’ accreditation to three years from one year, saying the measure introduces meaningful and business-friendly reforms that improve efficiency
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The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc., Philippine Iron and Steel Institute, and the Federation of Philippine Industries separately issued statements lauding Customs Administrative Order No. 01-2026
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PCCI welcomed the introduction of an automatic renewal system for qualified importers, particularly those with strong compliance records or recognized under programs such as the Authorized Economic Operator and Super Green Lane
Business groups have welcomed the new Bureau of Customs (BOC) policy extending importers’ accreditation to three years from one year, saying the measure introduces meaningful and business-friendly reforms that improve efficiency while enhancing the country’s competitiveness in regional and international trade.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc., Philippine Iron and Steel Institute, and the Federation of Philippine Industries separately issued statements lauding Customs Administrative Order (CAO) No. 01-2026.
CAO No. 01-2026, signed by Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno on April 9, amends certain provisions and adds new ones to CAO No. 07-2022, which provides guidelines for importers’ accreditation.
PCCI in a statement said the extension of importer accreditation validity to three years “is expected to reduce administrative friction and allow businesses to focus more on operations and expansion.”
READ: 3-year importer accreditation takes effect under new BOC rules
PCCI also welcomed the introduction of an automatic renewal system for qualified importers, particularly those with strong compliance records or recognized under programs such as the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and Super Green Lane (SGL). The chamber noted this reform rewards compliance while also improving turnaround times.
Aside from being a member of the AEO and SGL programs, the automatic renewal under CAO No. 01-2026 covers importers that have maintained continuous accreditation for six consecutive years immediately preceding the renewal of its accreditation and with no history of suspension, revocation, or cancellation.
PCCI said another key feature in CAO No. 01-2026 is the institutionalization of the Annual Reportorial Compliance (ARC) requirement, ensuring that importer records remain current while providing a structured and transparent compliance framework.
“CAO 01-2026 is a meaningful step toward a more efficient and predictable trade environment. By simplifying accreditation, enabling automatic renewals, and strengthening digital processes, we reduce friction in the supply chain while encouraging higher standards of compliance,” PCCI president Perry Ferrer said.
The chamber also underscored the importance of clear processing timelines and digital application systems, including the seven working day period for automatic renewal applications, which will reduce uncertainty and improve the overall business experience.
PCCI added that the updated accreditation framework, including standardized fees and defined compliance protocols, contributes to a more transparent and predictable regulatory environment.
With the extension, the fee for new application and renewal will be P5,000 for the three-year period from the current P2,000 per year.
BOC earlier said the extension is “in direct response to stakeholder sentiments and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve ease of doing business” and aims “to enhance operational efficiency, integrity, and minimize opportunities for corruption.”
BOC added this will “not only reduce the administrative burden on importers but also simplify the process, allowing them to focus more on their operations rather than annual renewals.
