The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has announced it is revoking a previous memorandum and reinstating the full authority to impose preliminary suspensions on licensed customs brokers and importers. This policy shift, effective immediately, reinforces the agency’s commitment to both strict enforcement and fair trade practices.
On September 3, 2025, Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno issued a directive that revokes Memorandum No. 06-2024. That memorandum, issued on February 12, 2024, had temporarily limited the BOC’s ability to impose preliminary suspensions without a formal administrative charge.
With this new action, the provisions of Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 12-2024 have been reinstated. This order establishes the framework and procedures for imposing penalties, including suspension and revocation, on importers and brokers who violate customs laws and regulations.
Commissioner Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of this move. “This action reflects our responsibility to uphold fairness, efficiency, and accountability in our processes,” he said. “We are serious about balancing firm enforcement with due process, consistent with the President’s vision of a government that is both just and responsive.”
The BOC also clarified that it will continue to honor requests from accredited brokers and importers whose accreditations have been preliminarily suspended. Shipments that are in transit or have already arrived at ports before the suspension takes effect will be processed without delay. This ensures that legitimate trade is not hampered by the new directive.
This policy is part of the BOC’s broader reform agenda to strengthen compliance and accountability within the customs system, which aims to protect government revenues and ensure a level playing field for law-abiding traders and brokers.
