THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) fell short of its full-year revenue target in 2025 with lower import volumes and the suspension of rice imports having weighed on collections.
Preliminary data showed that Customs collected P934.4 billion from January to December, below the P958.7-billion target. Still, the amount was 1.9 percent higher than the P916.674 billion recorded in 2024.
“This growth was achieved despite the challenges including the lower import volumes, the suspension of rice importation and global commodity price fluctuations,” Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.
Nepomuceno previously said that foregone revenues from the rice import ban — which started September and lasted up to the end of the year — could reach up to P12 billion, or roughly P3 billion to P4 billion a month.
“As we step into 2026, our mission is clear: to make the bureau faster, more transparent and genuinely reliable, and to build an institution that earns the confidence and respect of every Filipino,” he said on Wednesday.
The agency is aiming to collect P1.014 trillion in revenues this year, and the target is set to rise to P1.073 trillion in 2927 and P1.139 trillion in 2028.
Alongside revenue collection, Nepomuceno said Customs had stepped up border protection and internal reforms, focusing on curbing smuggling and strengthening public trust.
A total of 1,024 enforcement operations were conducted last year, resulting in the seizure of smuggled and prohibited goods valued at around P61.7 billion. The bureau also tightened monitoring of bonded warehouses and expanded the use of nonintrusive inspection technologies to speed up inspections.
Governance reforms included stricter enforcement of the “No Take” policy, the issuance of an Anti-Conflict of Interest directive and the launch of the “Isumbong kay Commissioner” online portal, which allows the public to report irregularities.
The bureau likewise enhanced its Tax Estimator system and updated its Code of Conduct and Citizens’ Charter to make customs rules and procedures clearer to stakeholders. An action center for balikbayan boxes and overseas Filipino workers was also set up to address complaints and service issues.
“Looking ahead, BOC remains committed to sustaining these reforms, deepening partnerships and harnessing digital innovations to further enhance efficiency and public service,” Nepomuceno said.
Source: Customs fails to hit 2025 goal
