The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has joined forces with the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) to improve the regulation and tracking of steel imports.
During a meeting on January 25, both groups agreed to establish a technical working group tasked with creating a comprehensive database for monitoring shipments, classifying commodities, and standardizing customs valuation using historical trade data.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno highlighted that the agency’s modernization agenda focuses on “digitalization, automation, and data-driven governance,” integrating advanced tools such as artificial intelligence and data analytics for more efficient operations.
He added that successful reform relies on reliable data, automated processes, and strong partnerships with industry stakeholders to maintain fair, predictable, and transparent trade in line with the government’s modernization goals.
PISI pledged to support the initiative by providing technical expertise and advocating for reforms that enhance the valuation, import, and export monitoring of steel products.
Nepomuceno said collaboration with the private sector is critical to align policy, technical knowledge, and industry data, ensuring that improvements remain effective beyond changes in leadership.
The BOC emphasized that these steps are part of a broader effort to strengthen compliance, close enforcement gaps, and institutionalize customs reforms across critical import sectors.