The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc. (FPI) announced a significant escalation in their joint efforts against illicit commercial activities by signing a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This renewed partnership is specifically designed to combat smuggling, undervaluation, and unfair trade practices, while ensuring stricter compliance with Philippine National Standards (PNS) to safeguard the nation’s industries and consumers.
The agreement was formalized during the FPI Business Summit in Manila by BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno and FPI Chairperson Elizabeth H. Lee. While building on a 2010 cooperation framework, this new MOA addresses previous operational gaps by expanding coverage across major ports and introducing enhanced transparency and oversight mechanisms to make industry findings immediately actionable.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized the urgency of the partnership: “This renewed partnership strengthens our frontlines against illicit trade while safeguarding the interests of Filipino industries and consumers. It is a clear message that the government is serious about enforcing fair trade laws.”
The operational heart of the MOA centers on utilizing FPI’s expertise. Accredited Industry Technical Experts (ITEs) from the FPI will be deployed to assist the BOC in the inspection and monitoring of high-risk shipments nationwide.
In commitment to efficient enforcement, the BOC has pledged to act on ITE reports within seven days and to share non-classified shipment data for targeted risk profiling. The FPI, in turn, commits to upholding strict integrity standards, ensuring the confidentiality of all information, and providing only qualified technical assistance.
FPI Chairperson Elizabeth H. Lee highlighted the importance of a level playing field: “We look forward to working closely with the BOC in ensuring a level playing field for local manufacturers and protecting government revenues. This MOA provides the necessary framework for real-time collaboration and impactful enforcement.”
The MOA also establishes a BOC–FPI Joint Monitoring Committee, which will convene quarterly to track performance, review compliance, and ensure the goals of the agreement are met. The agreement is effective immediately and will remain in force for three years, with an option for renewal.
