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The Philippine Bureau of Customs and the Israel Customs Directorate formally launched negotiations for an Authorized Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement after signing a joint action plan
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The agreement outlines the roadmap, timelines, and responsibilities for negotiating and implementing the MRA
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Both sides will conduct technical assessments, validation visits, and information exchanges before finalizing the arrangement
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Once implemented, the MRA will allow each country to mutually recognize accredited AEO traders, enabling faster and more efficient customs clearance
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The initiative is expected to reduce unnecessary inspections, strengthen supply chain security and promote bilateral trade and investment
The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Israel Customs Directorate have formally launched negotiations for an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) after signing a joint action plan aimed at facilitating faster and more secure trade between the two countries.
The action plan – signed on July 13, 2026, by BOC commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and Israel Customs Directorate director general Kfir Hen – outlines the roadmap, timelines, and responsibilities for negotiating and implementing the proposed agreement, the BOC announced.
Under the plan, the two customs administrations will conduct technical assessments, validation visits, and information exchanges before negotiating and finalizing the MRA.
Once finalized, the MRA will enable both countries to recognize each other’s AEO programs, allowing accredited exporters and importers to benefit from faster customs clearance and other trade facilitation measures.
READ: BOC launches AEO operational guidelines
Nepomuceno said the initiative reflects the BOC’s commitment to expanding international customs cooperation while creating greater opportunities for Philippine businesses.
“Every partnership we build is an investment in the future of Philippine trade. By working closely with Israel, we are opening more opportunities for our trusted exporters and importers to move their goods faster, more efficiently, and with greater certainty. This is about making government work better for our people, supporting our businesses as they grow beyond our borders, and ensuring that trade remains both secure and seamless,” he said.
The proposed arrangement aims to minimize unnecessary cargo inspections, enhance supply chain security, and encourage increased trade and investment between the Philippines and Israel.
BOC stated the initiative reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to international customs standards, supports modernizing customs, boosts competitiveness, and improves trade facilitation for easier doing business.
READ: Western Digital Philippines granted Level 1 AEO accreditation
