MANILA — The Bureau of Customs will enforce the 90-day dwell time limit for empty shipping containers at seaports to ease congestion and free up terminal space, the agency said.

In a statement, the BOC urged the Association of International Shipping Lines, Inc. to coordinate with affected shipping companies to remove empty containers, submit the required declaration forms, and settle all applicable duties and taxes.

“Non-compliance may result in the initiation of appropriate enforcement measures in accordance with existing customs laws, rules, and regulations,” the statement read.

The BOC said the strict enforcement is aimed at improving operations at the Manila South Harbor and the Manila International Container Terminal by freeing up valuable terminal space and helping ease port congestion.