Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is pushing the rollout of the Electronic Airway Bill (e-AWB) for a faster and more efficient export trade. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said Monday the measure is expected to reduce delays, cut costs, and modernize cargo processing for exports.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative is forecast to deliver immediate gains for exporters by shortening clearance times, minimizing paperwork, and improving coordination across the logistics chain. By digitizing cargo documentation and enabling real-time data exchange among shippers, freight forwarders, airlines, and BOC offices, the e-AWB system will help eliminate bottlenecks and support smoother, more predictable export operations.
With faster processing and improved data accuracy, the system is also seen to strengthen the country's trade competitiveness, making it easier for businesses to move goods efficiently while ensuring compliance and transparency. 'With the Electronic Airway Bill, we aim to remove unnecessary delays and make it easier for stakeholders to move goods efficiently and transparently,' the BOC chief said in a statement. 'This forms part of our commitment to a customs service that is modern, connected, and responsive to the needs of trade,' he added.
To support its implementation, the BOC - Ninoy Aquino International Airport, led by Deputy Collector for Operations Wilnora Cawile, together with Acting Director Maria Liza Sebastian of the Planning and System Development of the Management Information Systems and Technology Group, conducted a public consultation and stakeholder dialogue last May 22 to present the proposed Proof of Concept and gather industry input. The consultation brought together more than a hundred participants, including representatives from the Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association Inc., Airline Operators Council, freight forwarders, airline operators, shippers, and other stakeholders.
The participants provided constructive feedback on operational processes and identified areas for further enhancement, particularly in strengthening automation and system integration to support end-to-end digital transactions. Also present at the event was Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco, who conveyed her strong support for its implementation as a key step toward more efficient and digitalized trade processes. At the same time, the bureau is now moving toward the finalization of the e-AWB system and the corresponding implementing rules and regulations, with the goal of completing the rollout within the year.
