Customs extended accreditation seen easing red tape for importers

THE BUREAU of Customs’ (BoC) recent extension of importer accreditations to three years is expected to lighten the administrative burden on such companies and improve the overall investment climate, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) said.

“This development helps reduce administrative barriers, allowing our local industries to focus on economic productivity,” the group said in a statement Wednesday.

The BoC on Tuesday announced that it extended the validity of importer accreditations to three years from one as an ease of doing business measure.

Bureaucracy has long been a concern in the Philippines, with investors citing the cost burden, unclear rules, and slow approvals.

The ECCP said the BoC’s move is convenient for importers compared to the previous one-year validity, which required repeated document submissions.

“By extending accreditation validity and reducing total fees, the DoF reinforces the Philippines’ attractiveness as an investment destination,” the ECCP said.

“We commend this decisive step toward a more competitive, transparent, and efficient trade environment that aligns perfectly with the national goal of sustainable economic growth,” the group said.

In 2025, the BoC processed 17,757 importer accreditation applications and 2,685 customs broker applications. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz