MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) capped 2025 with notable achievements in revenue collection, trade facilitation, border security, and institutional reforms, highlighting its pivotal role in national development and economic stability.

Preliminary figures from January to December 2025 show that the BOC collected approximately ₱934.4 billion, surpassing the previous year’s revenue by 1.9 percent or ₱17.726 billion, despite challenges such as lower import volumes, the suspension of rice importation, and global commodity price fluctuations. The growth reflects the positive impact of enhanced efficiency, strengthened compliance measures, and expanded digital systems in sustaining collections.

Border protection remained a top priority. The BOC conducted 1,024 enforcement operations in 2025, seizing smuggled and prohibited goods valued at ₱61.707 billion. These successes were attributed to improved intelligence coordination, enhanced risk profiling, and closer collaboration with law enforcement and regulatory agencies. Oversight of bonded warehouses was also strengthened, and the bureau expanded its use of non-intrusive inspection technologies to ensure compliance while minimizing disruption to legitimate trade.

Institutional reforms continued throughout the year, with the BOC implementing measures including:

• Strict enforcement of the “No Take” policy
• Issuance of an Anti-Conflict of Interest directive
• Launch of the “Isumbong kay Commissioner” online portal
• Rollout of the enhanced BOC Tax Estimator
• Revision of the BOC Code of Conduct and Citizens’ Charter
• Establishment of the Balikbayan and OFW Action Center

These initiatives strengthened internal controls, reinforced accountability, and improved public access to customs services.

The BOC’s efforts also garnered recognition and support from the business and trade sectors. Cooperation agreements were signed with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Philippine Industries, while commendations were received from groups including the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc., the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phil.) Inc., the Philippine Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc., CITI Philippines Corp., and the Makati Business Club. During the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council’s general assembly, stakeholders expressed strong confidence in the BOC’s ongoing reforms under Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.

“2025 was more than numbers or milestones—it was a year that showed the Bureau of Customs can transform, proving that integrity, service, and trust are not just ideals, but values we put into action every single day,” said Commissioner Nepomuceno. “Every reform, every operation, every decision we make is about changing the way the public experiences the BOC. As we step into 2026, our mission is clear: to make the Bureau faster, more transparent, and genuinely reliable, and to build an institution that earns the confidence and respect of every Filipino.”

Looking ahead, the BOC remains committed to sustaining reforms, deepening partnerships, and harnessing digital innovations to further enhance efficiency and public service.