The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has implemented a new policy that allows Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and the Freeport Authority APECO (APECO) to receive faster investment commitments by designating it as a freeport zone and granting the authority to issue importer and exporter accreditations.
The Customs Client Profile Registration System (CPRS) registration procedure now allows APECO to conduct registrations following Chief Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno’s approval of Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 05-2026 on April 6, 2026, which establishes APECO’s status as an accredited importer and exporter for CPRS activation.
“This development is expected to unlock pending investments and fast-track decision-making among our prospective locators. Some investors have been waiting for this formal recognition before proceeding with their projects, particularly those with import-export requirements,” APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV said.
The new system streamlines procedures as it eliminates the previous requirement for locators to contact various agencies, thus decreasing waiting times.
“We thank Commissioner Nepomuceno, the BOC, and the Department of Finance led by Secretary Frederick D. Go for this important issuance, which enhances inter-agency coordination and directly supports investment promotion in APECO,” PCEO Taway said.
This development strengthens APECO’s position to become the country’s “Gateway to the Pacific”, a strategic hub for trade, logistics, and emerging industries serving the Asia-Pacific region.
