Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 12) – Ten Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members states (AMS) signed a deal to facilitate trade.
“Certified AMS AEOs (authorized economic operators) will enjoy faster cargo clearance and priority treatment for cargo inspection for their goods traded within ASEAN,” the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Thursday.
“These benefits are expected to increase savings arising from improved predictability of cargo movement,” it added.
Customs agencies of the 10 ASEAN members signed the deal on Sept. 19. It aligns certification standards to that of the World Customs Organisation.
The BOC said Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore will begin pilot implementation of the scheme by year-end, with full implementation by the third quarter of 2024.
Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam will begin pilot implementation next year.
