MANILA — Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno has directed importers and consignees to expedite the release of shipments, particularly aging perishable goods that remain unpaid, unclaimed, or unwithdrawn beyond allowable periods.

The directive includes the issuance of Notices of Delinquency with Final Demand against concerned parties to ensure immediate settlement of duties and taxes and compliance with customs requirements.

The move is aimed at preventing spoilage of food and other easily perishable items, which contribute to cargo buildup and port congestion when left unprocessed in ports for extended periods.

Importers and consignees were reminded to closely monitor shipments, settle duties and taxes on time, complete documentary requirements, and immediately arrange cargo withdrawal upon clearance.

The BOC said the measure is intended to strengthen accountability across collection districts while improving cargo clearance efficiency, protecting government revenue, and ensuring the timely movement of goods in supply chains.

The initiative follows a June 10 joint inspection at the Manila International Container Port (Manila International Container Port) involving Nepomuceno and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, where 26 abandoned containers of fresh red onions were found to have deteriorated due to prolonged storage, with some already spoiled and sprouting.

“This is a reminder for importers and consignees to promptly process the release of their shipments. Layunin natin na mapabilis ang cargo clearance habang napoprotektahan ang kita ng pamahalaan at tuloy-tuloy ang daloy ng kalakalan,” Nepomuceno said.

“Mahalaga rin na maiwasan ang pagkasira ng mga perishable goods dahil sa delays,” he added.

District Collectors have been instructed to submit consolidated reports every 15 days to the Office of the Commissioner through the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG) to monitor shipments, collections, and cargo status.

The BOC said the initiative aligns with the Marcos administration’s push for more efficient government services and improved trade facilitation, aimed at reducing port congestion, minimizing spoilage, and ensuring the availability and affordability of essential goods.