Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) welcomed the support of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) on the newly implemented Customs Administrative Order (CAO) that extends the validity of importer accreditation to three years and reduces total accreditation-related fees.

According to Philippines News Agency, the ECCP earlier commended the Department of Finance and the BOC for advancing a reform that enhances trade facilitation and strengthens the country's investment climate. 'The ECCP's feedback is an important input as we continue to refine our processes. Our objective is to maintain a predictable and business-friendly customs environment that facilitates legitimate trade while upholding revenue collection and border protection mandates,' BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said in a news release Saturday.

'The ECCP's endorsement further underscores the value of sustained public-private sector collaboration in shaping policies that promote trade facilitation and investor confidence.' The ECCP said the longer accreditation validity and lower fees reduce administrative requirements for importers, allowing businesses to focus more on productivity and growth.

The reform contributes to a more transparent, efficient, and competitive trade environment, consistent with national objectives for sustainable economic development, the ECCP said. The CAO forms part of the government's broader effort to promote ease of doing business and regulatory rationalization.

By reducing the frequency of accreditation renewals and lowering overall fees, the policy supports greater compliance and provides increased operational certainty for the trading community.