The Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced a significant reform aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and fairness in the country’s cargo handling and logistics industry. Through Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 02-2025, an addendum to CMO No. 41-2015, the BOC has established standardized charges for shipments processed by Off-Dock Container Yards (CY), Container Freight Stations (CFS), and Off-Terminal Customs Facilities and Warehouses (CFWs).
The new guidelines mandate a unified charging system for off-dock service providers, covering a range of logistics activities including storage, documentation, transfer, and handling of shipments. This move is designed to bring consistency and predictability to logistics costs, addressing long-standing concerns within the trade community.
To ensure fairness and transparency, CMO No. 02-2025 also introduces an automatic and proportionate mechanism for adjusting these charges. Any changes will be directly tied to increases in arrastre and wharfage fees, as determined by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), ensuring that rate adjustments reflect actual cost movements.
Furthermore, the new order sets clear ceilings for fees and surcharges on special cargo, such as oversized, hazardous, or high-value goods. Even incidental charges will now require proof of cost and are subject to reimbursement rules, guaranteeing that clients are only billed for services genuinely rendered.
Commissioner Rubio emphasized that this reform is a crucial part of the BOC’s broader efforts to modernize customs operations and cultivate a more business-friendly trade environment. “This measure ensures consistency and predictability in logistics costs,” Commissioner Rubio stated. “It reflects our commitment to efficient governance and aligns with our goal of making trade easier and more equitable for all stakeholders.”
The standardized rates outlined in CMO No. 02-2025 will take effect on July 19, 2025. The BOC strongly encourages all stakeholders—including importers, brokers, logistics operators, and consumers—to review and familiarize themselves with the updated rates and procedures. The full memorandum order is available on the Bureau’s official website at https://customs.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025CMO-02-2025.pdf.
This latest initiative underscores the Bureau of Customs’ ongoing mission to facilitate legitimate trade, safeguard revenue, and serve the Filipino people through fair and efficient customs administration.
