The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has revoked Memorandum No. 06-2024, which had limited the imposition of preliminary suspensions on licensed customs brokers.
Under the revoked memorandum, brokers could not be subjected to preliminary suspension unless a formal administrative charge had been filed.
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CMO No  12-2024 Reinstated
In a directive issued on September 3, 2025, Commissioner Ariel  F. Nepomoceno reinstated the provisions of Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 12-2024 or the “Guidelines on the Imposition of Penalties relative to the Customs Accreditation of Importers and Brokers.”
This order provides the framework for imposing sanctions such as:
‱Suspension
‱Revocation
‱Other penalties for violations of customs laws and regulations
It safeguards that only compliant and responsible stakeholders transact with the Bureau.
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Fairness ^ Trade Facilitation
The BOC clarified that requests from brokers and importers under preliminary suspension will still be honored. Shipments already in transit or that arrived before the suspension’s effectivity will continue to be processed without delay.
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Comm Nepomoceno Speaks
“This action reflects our responsibility to uphold fairness, efficiency, and accountability in our processes. We want our stakeholders to see that the Bureau is serious about balancing firm enforcement with due process, consistent with the President’s vision of a government that is both just and responsive to the needs of the people.”
He stressed that the policy shift underscores the BOC’s commitment to balancing strict enforcement with facilitation of legitimate trade.
“The reinstatement of CMO 12-2024 restores the BOC’s full authority to act against accreditation violations while still ensuring that legitimate shipments are not unduly hampered,” Commissioner Nepomuceno added.
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Reforma Commitment
The Bureau reiterated that the reinstatement forms part of its reform agenda to:
‱Strengthen compliance
‱Uphold accountability and integrity
‱Protect government revenues
‱Ensure fair competition for law-abiding traders and brokers
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