The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has been recognized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) as as an importing and exporting freeport zone and a Customs Client Profile Registration System (CPRS) accrediting agency, cutting down red tape and accelerating investment decisions into the freeport.
The Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 05-2026, signed by Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno on April 6, 2026, amends provisions of CMO No. 19-2019 to include APECO among government agencies authorized to accredit importers and exporters for CPRS activation.
The same order formally lists APECO as a recognized free zone authority, aligning it with other major economic zone regulators in the country.
“This development is expected to unlock pending investments and fast-track decision-making among our prospective locators. Some investors have been waiting for this formal recognition before proceeding with their projects, particularly those with import-export requirements,” APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV said.
The CPRS is a mandatory registration system for importers and exporters transacting with the BOC.
Previously, locators had to coordinate with multiple agencies to complete their accreditation, which could delay operational timelines.
The new policy authorized APECO to facilitate CPRS accreditation, enabling faster CPRS activation and smoother customs transactions.
“We thank Commissioner Nepomuceno, the BOC, and the Department of Finance led by Secretary Frederick D. Go for this important issuance, which enhances inter-agency coordination and directly supports investment promotion in APECO,” PCEO Taway said.
This development strengthens APECO’s position to become the country’s “Gateway to the Pacific”, a strategic hub for trade, logistics, and emerging industries serving the Asia-Pacific region.
