Bureau of Customs Temporarily Freezes Penalties for Exporters
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has recently announced a temporary suspension of penalties for late manifest submissions, giving businesses a rare window of opportunity to move shipments more efficiently.
If you’ve been planning to export goods from the Philippines, there’s no better time than now. With the help of an international freight forwarder based in Manila, you can maximize this chance to expand your reach and ship globally without worrying about costly delays or compliance fines.
Read further into this blog to gain a deeper understanding of the BOC’s temporary suspension and how you can use it to your advantage.
Understanding the BOC Manifest Penalty Suspension
The BOC’s manifest submission rule has long been an important checkpoint in the Philippines’ customs process. A shipping manifest, which details all goods on board, must be submitted within a specific timeframe. Failing to do so often results in hefty penalties, adding to exporters’ operational costs.
BOC acknowledged the challenges faced by shipping lines and logistics providers by temporarily lifting these fines via manifest penalty suspension.
Initially, the suspension of penalties was implemented on March 14. This aims to allow freight forwarders to submit advanced manifests even without the corresponding master bill of lading (B/L) or master airway bill (MAWB).
However, this caused delays in operations because freight forwarders had to wait for carriers to submit their Master B/L and MAWB to the Electronic-to-Mobile (E2M) system before they could file their own. As a result, many experienced late manifest submissions.
Reason for the suspension
OCOM (Office of the Commissioner) Memo No. 61-2025, signed by Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno on September 24 and released on September 30, explained that the suspension was due to “limitations” in the Bureau of Customs’ E2M system. Sources said the issue is linked to the system’s limited storage capacity.
Additionally, the suspension will remain in force until BOC’s E2M System is able to perform the following:
- Allow freight forwarders to electronically submit and store data in advance
- Automatically merge the submitted and stored data of freight forwarders with the aircraft’s or vessel’s data
- Handle the volume of such submissions or transactions without error or system slowdown
What It Means for An International Freight Forwarder in the Philippines
This move not only reduces financial pressure on businesses but also helps speed up the movement of goods from the Philippines to international destinations.
For exporters, this adjustment means one thing: less time spent on paperwork and more time focusing on growing your business overseas.
Ship Internationally with Logicore Express
Don’t let paperwork or port delays slow your business down. With Logicore Express, a trusted international freight forwarding company based in Manila, you get a reliable end-to-end support from customs clearance to on-time delivery.
BOOK YOUR INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTWhy Now is the Best Time to Ship Internationally
1. Lower Costs, Higher Efficiency
Without penalty fees eating into your margins, now is the best time to ship internationally. This suspension lowers operational costs across air, sea, and land freight and helps you optimize your logistics budget.
HELPFUL TIP: Working with a Philippine freight forwarding company ensures you can move your shipments smoothly through customs, handle documentation efficiently, and reduce unexpected expenses.
2. Streamlined Customs Clearance in the Philippines
With fewer restrictions and faster processes, exporters can now enjoy quicker turnaround times. Transit time is now being closely monitored, providing clients with better assurance and helping build stronger trust over time.
HELPFUL TIP: An international cargo shipping company works closely with customs officers to ensure faster and smoother import and export of products.
3. Competitive Advantage for Exporters
By being a proactive freight forwarder, while others are still adjusting to the new regulations, you can capture better rates, faster routes, and establish strong relationships with overseas buyers.
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Choosing the Right International Freight Forwarder for Your Specific Needs
Always remember, a reliable freight forwarder is your strongest partner in international trade. So, make sure you know what to look for. Consider the following “green flags” when choosing an international freight forwarder services tailored for your business.
A. Extensive Cargo Shipping Experience and Network
Choose a freight forwarder that provides services you can trust. Or those who have already proven their expertise in the industry. One that has established partnerships with carriers and port authorities.
For example, a forwarder with both air and sea freight solutions can handle diverse cargo types and routes efficiently.
Whether you’re shipping electronics, perishable items, or industrial goods, an experienced partner ensures seamless coordination from pickup to delivery.
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B. Comprehensive Logistics Capabilities
A dependable international freight forwarder should go beyond just shipping. Look for those offering contract logistics, warehousing, and has the capacity to transport dangerous goods (DG) to ensure a full end-to-end solution.
C. Strategic Location and Accessibility
When evaluating options, consider its location, proximity to ports, airports, and transport hub. The closer they are to logistics zones, the faster they can move your shipments.
Ship from Any Major Philippine Port with Logicore Express
Whether your cargo is bound for Asia, the Middle East, or beyond, Logicore Express makes international shipping seamless!
Our ports of loading are located at:
| Manila North | Davao |
| Manila South | General Santos City |
| Batangas | Cagayan De Oro |
| Subic | Cebu |
Let our international freight experts handle every detail, from customs clearance to delivery. Wherever your shipment starts, Logicore Express connects it to the world!
SCHEDULE YOUR INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTSimplifying Customs Clearance and Compliance
Navigating customs regulations can be complicated, but with expert support, it doesn’t have to be. A trusted international freight forwarder based in Manila ensures all paperwork is accurate and compliant with local and international standards.
This not only reduces clearance time but also minimizes the risk of penalties once the BOC suspension is lifted.
The Strategic Advantage of Partnering with Logicore Express
With deep industry expertise, strong carrier relationships, and reliable transport logistics support, Logicore Express can help you scale your operations internationally without unnecessary costs or stress.
By leveraging our air and sea freight solutions, land freight services, and contract logistics, you can confidently export goods from the Philippines while focusing on your core business goals.
Conclusion
With the BOC manifest penalty suspension in effect, this is truly the best time to ship internationally. Exporters who act fast can enjoy lower costs, faster customs clearance, and smoother logistics operations.
If you’re planning to ship your products internationally, make sure you don’t let this window of opportunity pass. Partner with a trusted international freight forwarder who can guide you through every step of the process—from documentation all the way to delivery.
