Order out vs. smuggling, misdeclaration of imported goods

The Department of Finance (DOF) has issued a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) to combat smuggling, misdeclaration, and undervaluation of imported goods through streamlined customs procedures and enhanced inspection systems.

The DOF released JAO No. 001-2025 to set in motion Administrative Order (AO) No. 23, which establishes a Digital and Integrated System for Pre-border Technical Verification and Cross-border Electronic Invoicing. 

This initiative aims to protect Filipino consumers and aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda to enhance bureaucratic efficiency and transparency in public service.

“With this JAO, we are taking significant steps to fortify border protection through digitalization. This will help eliminate smuggling, misdeclaration, and undervaluation while ensuring consumers are safeguarded against counterfeit and substandard goods. It also allows us to generate much-needed revenues for public services. The DOF will ensure the smooth and speedy implementation of AO 23,” said Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

The JAO focuses on simplifying customs processes, accelerating the inspection of imported goods, strengthening border security, and ensuring compliance with Philippine safety and quality standards.

Leading the initiative is the DOF, with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as member agencies. 

Representatives from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry Organization of the Philippines (CPIOPI) are also part of the Committee on Pre-border Technical Verification and Cross-border Electronic Invoicing.