The Bureau of Customs – Port of Clark is taking the lead in pushing digital reforms in support of the country’s expanding e-commerce sector.

In a strategic meeting held at the Port, Deputy Commissioner Ronnel B. Hombre of the Management Information Systems and Technology Group (MISTG) met with frontline personnel to address operational challenges brought about by the surge in online trade.

The discussion focused on the upcoming implementation of Customs Administrative Order (CAO) No. 01-2025, a major policy initiative that aims to simplify and speed up the clearance process for e-commerce shipments. Key provisions of the CAO include accrediting digital traders and logistics partners, and developing a dedicated ICT-based system to automate and integrate e-commerce procedures.

District Collector Jairus Reyes reaffirmed the Port’s full support for the digitalization efforts led by Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto and Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, noting that modernizing the customs system is vital to ensuring efficient and secure cross-border transactions.

The Port of Clark has been selected as the pilot site for this reform initiative. The E-Commerce System Technical Working Group will spearhead system testing, with oversight from Deputy Commissioner Hombre. This trial phase will play a key role in shaping a unified, responsive, and transparent e-commerce clearance system to be adopted across all ports nationwide.