To avoid delays in cargo processing at customs bonded warehouses (CBWs), the Bureau of Customs has simplified procedures for the arming/sealing of the electronic customs seal (ECS) for export shipments under the Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo (E-TRACC) System.
The BOC announced the streamlined processes in Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG) Memo No. 98-2026. The memorandum, dated June 8, 2026 and entitled “simplifying the arming procedures under the E-TRACC System for export shipments covering customs bonded warehouses,” is for immediate implementation.
The memorandum covers matters relating to making requests for ECS arming schedules and ECS devices, authorized personnel for arming the ECS, requirements for authorization of personnel, and submission of reports.
The ECS is a GPS-enabled smart lock used by the BOC to physically secure shipping containers under the E-TRACC System, a program to track shipping containers in real time as they move across the Philippines. The system stops cargo from being illegally diverted or opened before reaching its destination.
For arming schedules, the CBW must submit the request for arming/sealing of the ECS at least three days prior to the stuffing of cargoes into containers through an official communication to the assigned warehouseman, the memorandum said.
If the assigned warehousemen or authorized BOC personnel are unable to be physically present during the E-TRACC arming/sealing procedure, the CBW may opt to choose the services of other authorized personnel. It must submit a request for a schedule of ECS arming process in the E-TRACC CB Trip Booking System at https://www.ecms.ph/E-TRACC/Login. Requests for an E-TRACC service provider’s arming must be made at least 24 hours before the actual ECS arming.
To request for ECS devices, requests must be booked through the ECS/GPS Export Device requisition on the E-TRACC System website at https://www.ecms.ph. Delivery of the actual ECS must be undertaken by the E-TRACC service provider within 24 hours after the booking.
To speed up ECS arming, AOCG Memo 98-2026 states that the following personnel are authorized to arm the ECS:
• Warehousemen and other authorized BOC personnel
• E-TRACC service provider
• Authorized representative from the CBW operator’s accredited member-exporter
“The assigned warehousemen and other authorized BOC personnel shall be the main responsible officers in the arming process. However, in the absence of BOC personnel during the ECS arming, the CBW may opt for the services of other authorized personnel,” the memorandum states.
Warehousemen are customs officers tasked with overseeing, securing, and monitoring CBWs, which are facilities that hold imported goods before taxes and duties are paid. The BOC also authorizes other specific officers—account officers/examiners, auction and cargo disposal division staff, and port operations personnel—to carry out these tasks when the assigned warehouseman is absent.
On the requirements for authorization, any BOC employee authorized in writing by the District Collector of the port having jurisdiction over the CBW may initiate the arming of the ECS. In the absence of the warehouseman, storekeeper or account officers of the BOC, other BOC personnel may be authorized. The authorization by the district collector is valid for six months and may be renewed after expiry.
In the case of accredited CBW operators, members/exporters should execute an affidavit of undertaking designating an authorized officer to perform the arming/sealing of containers and holding the officer as well as the exporter/CBW accountable to the BOC for violations committed in the implementation of the E-TRACC System.
“Only those authorized personnel are allowed to affix/seal the ECS, even without the presence and supervision of the assigned warehouseman or BOC personnel, provided that the E-TRACC procedures set forth under CMO 4-2020 are complied with. The E-TRACC service provider shall ensure the training of the authorized personnel for this purpose,” according to the memorandum.
The Bureau said the warehousing performance bond posted by the CBWs must cover damages resulting from any infractions or violations of the ECS arming/sealing undertaken by the exporter/CBW, or any of its personnel. In lieu of this bond, the CBW may also apply its general warehousing bond for this purpose.
Finally, the E-TRACC service provider is required to submit a monthly report to the BOC listing all the containers which were armed through authorization under AOCG Memo 98-2026.
