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The Department of Finance and the Bureau of Customs called on stakeholders to give their input on a proposed Joint Administrative Order covering “Yard Utilization and Transparency on Charges in the Handling of Cargoes by Customs Third Parties and Other Logistics Providers”
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Importers, exporters, customs brokers, logistics providers, port operators, and other concerned sectors are encouraged to submit position papers and comments
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Submission deadline is July 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
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The JAO aims to promote transparency, fairness, and accountability in assessing and collecting these charges while improving port and logistics efficiency
The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have opened public consultation through position paper submission on a proposed Joint Administrative Order (JAO) covering “Yard Utilization and Transparency on Charges in the Handling of Cargoes by Customs Third Parties and Other Logistics Providers,” the agencies announced.
The proposed JAO aims to enhance transparency, fairness, and accountability in evaluating and collecting yard utilization and cargo handling fees. It also focuses on improving the efficiency of port and logistics functions. Additionally, it seeks to ensure that policies regarding these charges are created in consultation with stakeholders directly affected by their enforcement.
READ: BOC issues draft JAO addressing local shipping charges, yard utilization
The order will be jointly issued by eight government agencies: the DOF, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Transportation, the BOC, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Philippine Ports Authority, the Maritime Industry Authority, and the Philippine Competition Commission.
Importers, exporters, customs brokers, logistics providers, port operators, business groups, government agencies, and the public are urged to review the draft JAO and submit comments and recommendations.
The draft JAO, along with a position paper template and submission guidelines, is available on the CMTA page of the BOC website and on the DOF website at https://customs.gov.ph/cmta/.
Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Philippine Standard Time on July 13, 2026.
The BOC has urged all stakeholders to participate in the consultation process, emphasizing that the feedback and suggestions collected will aid in developing guidelines that are practical, balanced, and responsive. These guidelines aim to facilitate smooth cargo movement, promote fair business practices, and foster a more competitive trading environment.
