Exporters, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), may now get a soft copy of the “AEO Operational Guidelines” following the official launch of the guidebook on self-assessment and accreditation recently at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Manila.
The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Operational Guidelines was developed to support efforts to encourage Filipino businesses to apply for AEO status to leverage the trade facilitation benefits under the AEO Program to help sharpen their competitive edge.
The release of the operational guidelines on October 2, 2025 “marks a significant step in advancing trade facilitation reforms in alignment with international best practices,” according to the document.
The manual serves as a practical reference tool on streamlining operational processes, ensuring consistent implementation, and clarifying roles and responsibilities for effective compliance and seamless coordination within the AEO framework.
In brief, the AEO Program, which aligns with the World Customs Organization Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade, enables accredited traders to benefit from streamlined customs procedures, reduced clearance times, and mutual recognition arrangements with other customs administrations.
The AEO Program is mandated by Customs laws and regulations, which require the establishment and operation of such an AEO system. The program’s objectives are to strengthen the overall supply chain and promote efficient customs operations.
For exporters and importers in particular, the system leads to an improvement in the movement of goods and lowering of transport costs.
The AEO Operational Guidelines feature important information, including on the program’s categories and benefits and instructions on how to obtain accreditation.
There are three category levels of accreditation. According to the BOC website, Level 1 operators get to enjoy exemption from renewal of accreditation; self-assessment; supplementary goods declaration; and a dedicated help desk, among other benefits.
Level 2 benefits cover a dedicated processing lane; advance clearance process; periodic lodgment; one-time exemption certificate; and expedited customs clearance for exports.
Validated Level 3 members will have additional benefits as provided by the Customs Commissioner, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Finance.
At the same time, the document highlights the need to develop an AEO scheme for MSMEs, mentioning best practices from countries that have crafted an AEO legal framework for small entrepreneurs.
“It should be noted that the most vulnerable to unpredictable business climates are the SMEs, and they would benefit immensely not only from trade agreements that remove tariffs and improve market access but also from trade facilitation measures such as expediting cargo clearance processes,” the report says.
Similarly, an AEO scheme for e-commerce shipments is being recommended to facilitate cross-border E-Commerce amid the rapid growth of the sector.
“Some of the existing national legal and regulatory provisions might not be in line with new business models in the context of exponentially growing cross-border E-Commerce,” the paper states.
Also outlined are the procedures for accepting and validating applications through the AEO Portal, the primary application on the BOC website that is used to screen and evaluate applicants for accreditation.
“This portal serves as the central platform for electronic filing and review of AEO applications submitted for accreditation,” the document says. “Through the portal, accredited companies are recognized as trusted allies, facilitating smoother customs procedures and enhanced trade facilitation.”
The AEO Operational Guidelines v.2025 is available in PDF on the BOC website.
