(5 March 2025, Manila) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is paving the way for a more seamless trade operation through a strategic dialogue with the Bureau of Customs (BOC). By securing its recognition and compliance within BOC’s regulatory framework, APECO sets the stage for businesses within the economic zone to enjoy smoother customs processing which will surely boost investor confidence.
The APECO delegates, led by Deputy Administrator Mr. Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano, recently concluded a productive meeting with the BOC Ports Operations Coordination Division (POCD). The meeting clarified the requirements that APECO must fulfill in order to issue a Certificate of Importation Accreditation to its locators. In effect, this accreditation will enable businesses within the ecozone to import raw materials and products seamlessly in compliance with BOC regulations. With these requirements now clearly outlined, APECO has a concrete path to implementing the strategy of Atty. Gil G. Taway IV, President and Chief Executive Officer, for enhancing trade facilitation within the zone.
A key topic of discussion was how APECO can fully exercise its Freeport charter under Republic Act (RA) 9490, as amended, in relation to Section 3.2 of Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) 19-2019, which implements Section 817 of RA 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. To achieve this, APECO must draft a position paper to the Department of Finance to formalize APECO’s status, secure inclusion into relevant CMOs, and finalize a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with BOC. These steps are necessary for APECO to facilitate the smooth importation of goods for its locators, ensuring they benefit from tax and duty-free incentives as provided by its Freeport charter. Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for a designated destination code and accreditation of locators through the Client Profile Registration System (CPRS) to ensure efficient import processing.
For APECO and its locators, these developments represent a major step toward facilitating smoother trade operations. Establishing a clear and structured importation process will attract more investors by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring compliance with customs regulations. The potential creation of an official BOC office within APECO’s premises would further streamline trade activities, lowering logistical costs and increasing operational efficiency for businesses within the ecozone. By ensuring that APECO's policies align with existing customs laws, APECO can ensure that its locators fully benefit from the tax and duty-free privileges intended for freeports. The collaboration between APECO and BOC signifies a proactive approach to fostering economic growth, boosting investor confidence, and unlocking new opportunities for trade that will benefit locators and the broader economy of Aurora.
