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The Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association lauded the Bureau of Customs’ initiatives towards better governance, citing its decision to temporarily suspend the imposition of hefty penalties on freight forwarders and deconsolidators for the late submission of electronic consolidated cargo manifests
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PMTLAI confirmed that no fines have been imposed since September 30
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PMTLAI also welcomed BOC’s long-term goal of full automation of customs processes through public-private partnership
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The industry group expressed eagerness to take part in crafting the upgraded system to ensure that it is responsive to both trade requirements and practical realities
The Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association, Inc. (PMTLAI) lauded the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) initiatives towards better governance, citing its decision to temporarily suspend the imposition of hefty penalties on freight forwarders and deconsolidators for the late submission of electronic consolidated cargo manifests (e-CCM).
During its general membership meeting on October 22, PMTLAI confirmed that no fines have been imposed since September 30.
OCOM (Office of the Commissioner) Memo No. 61-2025 signed by Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno dated September 24 and released on September 30 ordered the temporary suspension of penalties under Customs Administrative Order (CAO) No. 15-2020, citing “limitations” in BOC’s Electronic-to-Mobile (E2M) system as reason for the directive. Sources said this is related to the limited storage of the E2M.
READ: BOC suspends hefty penalties for late manifest submission
Penalties range from P100,000 to P300,00 per bill of lading under Section 8.8 of CAO 15-2020, which contains BOC rules in the supervision and control over vessels and aircraft.
“This action is a welcome relief to the freight forwarding community,” PMTLAI president Erich Lingad said in a statement.
“It reflects a new era of accountability and understanding within the Bureau of Customs. It shows they mean business, not just in enforcement, but in rebuilding trust and enabling trade,” Lingad added.
PMTLAI said BOC’s decision, under the new leadership of Nepomuceno and BOC Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group deputy commissioner Agaton Teodoro Uvero, “reflects a responsive and pragmatic approach” and “one that balances enforcement with fairness and governance with empathy.”
“PMTLAI extends its sincere appreciation to them for their swift response and decisive leadership,” the group added.
PMTLAI noted that for years, freight forwarders had borne the brunt of hefty penalties for manifest delays.
It noted that many of such delays were caused not by negligence but by system limitations and technical integration issues beyond their control.
“The BOC’s action acknowledges these realities and sends a clear message: it is an institution willing to listen, to engage and to act in true partnership with industry stakeholders,” PMTLAI said.
Prior to the OCOM memo, the suspension of penalties was initially implemented on March 14 through OCOM Memo No. 21-2025. The memo allowed freight forwarders to submit the advance manifest even without the corresponding master bill of lading (B/L) or master airway bill (MAWB).
Freight forwarders normally have to wait for the carrier (airline or shipping line) to submit the master B/L/MAWB to the E2M System before they could submit their AWB/B/L. This situation has led to instances of late manifest submission.
Forwarders have long complained they bear the brunt of the penalties despite not having control over when carriers submit their MAWB/BL.
But due to technical difficulties, OCOM Memo 21-2025 was suspended only a few days into its implementation and was re-implemented in April. Freight forwarders, however, continued to pay for penalties despite the re-implementation of the memo, according to sources.
Aside from the temporary suspension of penalties, PMTLAI said it also welcomes BOC’s long-term goal of full automation of customs processes through public-private partnership.
“PMTLAI welcomed this direction and expressed its hope to be invited to take part in crafting the upgraded system. This will ensure that it is responsive to both trade requirements and practical realities,” it added.
Uvero said BOC is reviewing an unsolicited proposal for a new customs processing system (CPS) that will replace its E2M System and is designed to streamline and automate customs procedures, ensuring efficient, transparent, and compliant trade facilitation.
