BOC rolls out measures to ease congestion at Manila ports

With terminal congestion affecting cargo operations at Manila’s two major ports, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has ordered the immediate implementation of measures to speed up cargo release, relocate overstaying containers, and clear empty boxes from port yards.

In a memorandum issued on June 23, 2026, the bureau directed the transfer of overstaying laden containers to accredited off-dock container yards, the expedited processing of goods declarations, and the deployment of sweeper vessels to remove empty containers. The measures aim to free up terminal space, improve cargo flow, and enhance overall port efficiency.

Under the directive, overstaying laden containers may be transferred to accredited off-dock facilities owned, operated, or designated as extensions of port terminal operators.

Priority for transfer will be as follows:

• Paid but unclaimed – Containers that remain at the port for at least 10 days after payment of duties and taxes;
• Assessed but unpaid – Containers with unpaid duties and taxes 15 days after the importer receives the notice of assessment; and
• No goods declaration filed – Containers for which no goods declaration has been lodged within 15 days from discharge.

Abandoned or forfeited laden containers that have remained at the port for more than 90 days may also be transferred.

The BOC said the transfer becomes mandatory once average yard utilization exceeds 75% for two consecutive weeks. All transfer costs will be borne by the concerned importer.

To accelerate cargo release, customs offices have also been instructed to prioritize the assessment and processing of goods declarations immediately upon lodgment, including freely importable goods and regulated shipments covered by provisional goods declarations.

Under the memorandum, notices of assessment must be issued within five days from the lodgment of a goods declaration. Extensions may be granted only for valid reasons and with the approval of the appropriate authority.

Importers of regulated goods will have up to 15 days from lodgment to submit the required permits and clearances. Failure to comply may prompt the BOC to recommend the issuance of warrants of seizure and detention against the shipments.

The bureau likewise ordered district collectors to coordinate with terminal operators in accommodating sweeper vessels that will remove and re-export empty containers. They were also instructed to work closely with shipping lines holding the largest volume of empty containers, as well as with importers seeking to withdraw their empty boxes from the ports.

Meanwhile, deputy collectors at the Port of Manila, Manila International Container Port, and Port of Cagayan de Oro have been directed to closely monitor and report overstaying containers. Under an earlier memorandum issued in May 2026, the three ports are required to submit weekly reports detailing overstaying containers and the actions taken to address them.

Customs officials were also reminded to strictly enforce the 30-day abandonment rule for uncleared cargoes and the 90-day re-export requirement for empty containers to help prevent recurring port congestion.

Separately, the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the country’s largest international container terminal, has advised importers and customs brokers to process and withdraw their shipments promptly to avoid additional storage charges and the possible transfer of containers to designated off-site facilities in Laguna, Cavite, and Bulacan.