The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has officially released Customs Administrative Order (CAO) No. 02-2025, introducing critical amendments and clarifications to CAO No. 02-2024 on customs dues, fees, and charges. This latest issuance is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to streamline government processes and promote ease of doing business across the country.
Published on May 31, 2025, CAO No. 02-2025 reflects the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, predictability, and responsiveness in customs procedures, ultimately benefiting importers, exporters, logistics providers, and other stakeholders.
Among the key changes introduced by CAO No. 02-2025 are:
- Refinements to Vessel Supervision and Underguarding Fees: Clearer guidelines on fees applicable to the transfer of goods at seaports and airports.
- Revised Import Processing Charge: Formerly known as the Import Processing Fee, this charge has been recalculated for more accurate and consistent application.
- Updated Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Application Charges: Adjusted based on the size of the enterprise, ensuring a more equitable fee structure.
- Clarified Fees for Goods Declaration Modifications: Specific charges now apply for cancellation or correction of declarations due to clerical errors.
- Standard Charges for Customs Documentation: Payment of the Customs Documentary Stamp, Documentary Stamp Tax, and Legal Research Fund is now required for every document issued.
To better support field operations, the CAO introduces a new provision for the reimbursement of daily travel expenses, transportation, and lodging for BOC personnel rendering services outside their official posts. These reimbursements will follow the guidelines of Executive Order No. 77, s. 2019, in recognition of the demands placed on front-line customs officers.
Additionally, the BOC has announced several updates on specific fees and exemptions:
- Deferment of the Aircraft Supervision Fee under CAO No. 02-2024, now scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2025.
- Suspension of the Certificate of Origin Processing Charge, effective until lifted by the Commissioner with the approval of the Secretary of Finance.
- Fee Exemptions for Air Express Cargo Operators (AECOs), acknowledging the specialized nature of their operations under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
CAO No. 02-2025 will take effect on June 15, 2025, fifteen (15) days after its publication. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the full order, now accessible on the BOC’s official website at https://customs.gov.ph.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to reform: “This issuance reflects our commitment to continuously improve customs procedures and build a more transparent, efficient, and responsive agency for all stakeholders.”
With this updated order, the Bureau of Customs continues to advance its reform agenda—supporting trade facilitation, promoting accountability, and aligning its practices with global standards.
