BOC issues new rules for foreign cable-laying and repair vessels

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has issued new rules to streamline customs processes for the temporary admission of international cable-laying and repair vessels (ICLRVs) in the country.

In a press release issued on Saturday, July 11, the BOC explained that Customs Administrative Order (CAO) No. 02-2026, published on July 2, is a framework that governs the temporary admission of foreign cable-laying and repair vessels.

The ICLRVs are used for the maintenance and repair of submarine cable systems, which include seabed cable-support activities for Information and Communication Technology infrastructure and offshore energy-generation systems, according to the BOC.

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READ: Fishing halted off Zambales due to submarine cable work

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Under the CAO No. No. 02-2026, the ICLRVs, under an authorized submarine cable project, may temporarily enter the country without paying import duties and taxes and be re-exported after completing operations.

“The regulation aligns Philippine customs procedures with international standards under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and the Istanbul Convention, while helping reduce delays and operational costs for critical infrastructure projects,” the BOC said.

READ: PCG: Chinese cable-laying vessel docks at Subic port to unload cables

It added that the regulation allows operations to continue smoothly while moving between project sites and ports without needing to file new import documents, therefore, ‘making operations more efficient for large-scale infrastructure projects that cover multiple locations.’

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“The order also introduces simplified procedures for vessels staying in Philippine waters for short periods, allowing faster processing and reducing administrative requirements while maintaining customs supervision and compliance safeguards,” the BOC stated.

The BOC further said that, although the vessels may receive “temporary duty and tax relief,” the imported equipment remains subject to existing laws and importation requirements.

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“This initiative helps create a more efficient environment for projects that improve the country’s digital connectivity and critical infrastructure. By streamlining customs procedures while maintaining proper safeguards, we are supporting investments that benefit businesses, communities, and the Filipino public,” BOC commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said in the same press release. /das

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