Dear Clients and Friends,

On July 5, 2022, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through Customs Administrative Order (CAO) No. 07-2022, issued a consolidation of guidelines on the accreditation of importers.

Under this CAO, the BOC lists down the documentary requirements to be submitted in support of the application for renewal (Sec. 6.1). The electronic copy of the application and the requisite documents shall be submitted online to the Accounts Management Office or equivalent office through the Customer Care Center.

Kindly note that the application for renewal with complete supporting documents shall be filed not earlier than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the expiration of the accreditation. However, filing of the application for renewal less than seven (7) working days prior to expiration shall be considered as late renewal.

Nevertheless, an accredited importer may also apply for automatic renewal of accreditation with the BOC by submitting online to the AMO or equivalent unit through the Customer Care Center at least seven (7) working days prior to its expiration (Sec. 6.5).

An application for renewal shall be acted upon within seven (7) working days from receipt of complete documentary requirements. The evaluation officer from the AMO shall compare the information in the Client’s Profile Registration System against the documents submitted in support of the application. If, upon evaluation, the evaluation officer finds discrepancies or issues that require justification or submission of additional documents, such officer shall inform the applicant through the BOC portal to immediately submit the same within seven (7) calendar days from posting of the notice. Otherwise, the same shall be disapproved without prejudice to the filing of a new application and the payment of corresponding fees. However, if the applicant requests for additional period to submit the required documents, the application may be further processed, provided that the period to act on the application shall be reckoned from the date of receipt of the justification or additional document/s.

Please also note that the BOC shall defer the action of the application if, upon verification, the importer has an outstanding obligation or unpaid account until the same has been settled.

If you need assistance in seeking the renewal of your accreditation, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Thank you.

Mata-Perez, Tamayo & Francisco