Bureau of Customs reports record revenue and increased enforcement

Under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) has reported significant increases in revenue collection and enforcement activities. From July 2025 to June 2026, the agency reported preliminary collections of ₱965.649 billion. In July 2026, the BOC achieved its highest monthly collection on record at ₱95.848 billion, exceeding its target.

Beyond revenue, the BOC has intensified its crackdown on smuggling. Between July 2025 and June 2026, 1,090 enforcement operations resulted in the seizure of illicit goods, including illegal drugs, counterfeit products, and smuggled agricultural commodities, valued at ₱40.471 billion. Administrative reforms have also been implemented, such as extending registration validity for importers and brokers from one to three years and reducing valuation processing times.

Industry leaders, including Alyansa Agrikultura Chairman Ernesto Ordoñez, have commended the BOC for strengthening enforcement to prevent the entry of substandard steel products. Ordoñez noted that stricter border controls are essential to prevent the dumping of low-priced steel and to ensure fair competition for legitimate local manufacturers.