July 21, 2026

Customs Procedures

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Clark is finalizing a new regulation to govern "transsorting," the process of unloading air cargo from an incoming flight, sorting it inside the airport, and reloading it directly onto an outbound flight without it ever formally entering the local market. The rule is being fast-tracked to keep pace with the growing footprint of global express carriers FedEx and UPS at Clark.

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Why This Rule Is Being Created

Transsorting sits in a gray area for customs purposes, since the cargo does not clear into the Philippine market the way a typical import shipment does. As FedEx and UPS expand their operations in Pampanga, the volume of cargo passing through this kind of transit handling has grown enough that BOC officials say clear, standardized guidelines are needed.

Local customs officers at Clark are currently collecting feedback directly from the cargo companies involved, with the goal of having the main BOC office in Manila approve and sign the order before September 2026.

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What Changes for Air Cargo Operators

  • Clearer, standardized procedures for handling cargo that transits through Clark without formal importation.
  • Faster processing times for time-sensitive express shipments.
  • Infrastructure upgrades at Clark tied to its expanding role as a logistics hub.

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The Bigger Picture for Clark International Airport

This regulation is part of a broader pattern of investment at Clark, which is positioning itself as a major air logistics hub for the Luzon region. For businesses relying on air freight, particularly time-sensitive shipments, clearer transsorting rules should reduce ambiguity around clearance requirements for cargo that is simply passing through rather than being imported.

Businesses working with express carriers or considering air freight through Clark should keep an eye on the official signing of this order, expected before the end of Q3 2026, as it may affect transit timelines and documentation requirements for cargo routed through the airport.