The Bureau of Customs (BOC) of the Republic of The Philippines is strengthening its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme by engaging a wider range of economic operators for improved supply chain security and trade facilitation. From 17-21 February, during a Workshop engaging key internal and external stakeholders, the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme supported the BOC’s journey with technical assistance and capacity building focused on expansion strategies and fostering Customs-Business partnerships.
The Chief of the Interim AEO Office, Ms. Jenny Diokno, underlined the BOC’s intention to expand operator-specific benefits aimed at attracting key economic players, including Customs Brokers and importers operating within Free Zones. This initiative, she emphasized, is designed to bolster the Philippines’ efforts to promote Foreign Direct Investment into the country. She also highlighted how the BOC is leveraging its AEO Portal to streamline the AEO application process, making it more efficient, transparent, and beneficial for Programme participants.
The BOC Commissioner, Mr. Bienvenido Y. Rubio, emphasized that enhancing stakeholder compliance through the AEO Programme is part of the BOC’s 5-point Priority Programme. This programme includes digitizing Customs processes, achieving and surpassing revenue targets, simplifying procedures to facilitate secure trade, curbing smuggling and advancing employee welfare and development. He further stated that “this AEO Mission supports this priority and will help evaluate our AEO Programme and develop the skills of our AEO officers, thereby improving our services to the public, and, on a larger scale, it will buttress our collective efforts in enhancing trade facilitation and supply chain security”.
Existing Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) highlighted the significant and tangible benefits of the BOC’s AEO Programme. One AEO reported saving at least PHP 2500 [just over EUR 41] per container due to fewer physical inspections, while another emphasized the invaluable support from BOC Account Managers, who help navigate disruptions in Customs clearance procedures to ensure smoother and expedited processing. These testimonials underscore the AEO Programme's positive impact on operational efficiency and cost savings. The BOC intends to leverage the Customs-to-Business Partnership to foster an innovative culture and to be responsive to driving continuous efficiency gains.
Looking ahead, the BOC will enhance its operational instruments to facilitate AEO validation and extend AEO Benefits to all economic operators as part of the BOC’s broader expansion strategy. The WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme looks forward to continuing its multiyear partnership with the BOC, supporting the promotion of sustainable trade facilitation reforms and driving inclusive economic prosperity.
For more information on the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, please see here.
For more information on WCO capacity building, please contact Capacity.Building@wcoomd.org.