Photo courtesy of Bureau of Customs/Facebook.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has launched a mission under the World Customs Organization (WCO) to support the expansion of its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program.
The five-day mission is conducted under the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme and involves BOC Deputy Commissioner Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero, WCO experts, Japan International Cooperation Agency representatives, and BOC officials.
Deputy Commissioner Uvero said the mission aims to finalize the AEO Validation Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and strengthen the technical skills of BOC validators.
The team will also conduct site visits to pre-accredited AEO companies in Manila and Parañaque to test validation procedures.
The AEO Program is set to expand its coverage beyond importers and exporters to include customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and warehouse operators.
Officials said the program is intended to improve trade processes, reduce costs, and increase predictability in the supply chain.
The mission is part of broader efforts to enhance collaboration between government and private sectors and ensure compliance and security in trade operations.
The BOC said the expanded AEO Program is expected to support investment, employment, and overall economic activity in the Philippines.