Bureau of Customs Accreditation Requirements

Any entity intending to import goods into the Philippines must first secure accreditation with the Bureau of Customs. This accreditation establishes the importer's authority to transact with customs and lodge goods declarations. Without it, shipments cannot be processed through the customs system.

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Types of Importer Accreditation

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Regular Importer

For businesses engaged in continuous importation. This applies to companies with established supply chains and recurring shipments.

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Non-Regular Importer (NRI)

For entities that import on a limited or occasional basis. Read more in our Non-Regular Importer (NRI) Process Philippines guide.

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General Requirements

Requirements may vary depending on the applicant, but typical documentation includes:

• Business registration documents (DTI, SEC, or equivalent)
• Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Valid identification documents
• Authorization for customs representation

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Timing

Accreditation should be secured before shipment arrival. Delays in registration frequently result in extended storage time and additional costs at the port.

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Final Notes

BOC accreditation is a basic requirement for importation. For a more detailed breakdown of the registration steps, see our guide on the BOC Registration and Accreditation Process. Getting it done early means shipments can be processed without unnecessary delay. A licensed customs broker can handle the accreditation process on your behalf and help keep your business trade-compliant from day one.