Export Development Council

𝐄𝐃𝐂 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐬 𝐁𝐎𝐂 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄-𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐂 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬!

The Export Development Council lauds BOC's initiatives toward export competitiveness. The Bureau of Customs issued a memorandum order on 30 March 2026, amending Section 4.3 of CMO 4-2020 to exempt AEO-accredited exporters from the Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo (E-TRACC) system. By lifting this requirement for Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) that are also Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs), the BOC has effectively removed a key source of delays and costs, in response to exporters’ call for practical solutions to low-hanging trade barriers. This reform, formalized through a Customs Memorandum Order, ensures smoother cargo movement to and from Free Zones and strengthens the incentive framework for AEOs.

Further, the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG) Memo No. 188-2025, which directs all ports to recognize the Export-Oriented Enterprise (EOE) Certificates issued by the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and clarifies operational issues about the said certificates was also issued by the BOC.

The issuance provided clarity and consistency across all ports in the implementation of Republic Act No. 12066, otherwise known as the CREATE MORE Act. The EOE Certificates grant exporters with at least 70% export sales to avail of VAT exemptions on imports directly attributable to its export activities without the need for a Tax Exemption Indorsement (TEI) from the Department of Finance (DOF). This reduces regulatory burden and enhances exporters’ operational efficiency.

Recognizing their importance on the implementation of the strict enforcement of the 90-day container dwell time rule under Customs Administrative Order No. 8-2019. As a key partner in trade facilitation, the EDC highly regards these efforts of BOC to ensure the timely movement and disposition of overstaying containers. 𝑭𝑨𝑴𝑫