Customs accredits 11 firms for expedited clearance program

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) said it accredited 11 firms for its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program in 2025, which granting expedited clearance in exchange for meeting compliance and security standards.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BoC said the accredited parties include Sony Philippines, Inc., Coca‑Cola Europacific, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., Brother Industries, Inc., and Aboitiz Philippines, Inc.

The AEO program covers importers, exporters, customs brokers, and freight forwarders accredited under the World Customs Organization’s framework to secure and facilitate global trade.

The BoC said the perks for accredited firms include exemption from accreditation renewal, a dedicated processing lane, an advance clearance process, expedited customs clearance for exports, and more.

Last year, the US State Department’s Investment Climate Statements said the Bureau of Customs remained among the Philippines’ most corrupt agencies.

The US Embassy reported complaints from American firms of invasive inspections, inconsistent charges, and the solicitation of “facilitation fees” by officials.

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines said 18% of members surveyed found Customs procedures efficient, 48% deemed them acceptable but in need of improvement, while 34% found them burdensome. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante