The Bureau of Customs (BoC) has relaxed customs rules for foreign cable-laying and repair vessels, allowing them to temporarily enter the Philippines without paying import duties and taxes to accelerate submarine cable and other strategic infrastructure projects.

Under Customs Administrative Order 02-2026, qualified foreign vessels may enter the country duty- and tax-free, provided they are used exclusively for authorized submarine cable projects and are re-exported after completing their work.

The order also simplifies customs procedures by reducing documentary requirements and allowing vessels working on multiple projects to move between Philippine ports and worksites without repeatedly filing new import documents.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the measure is intended to reduce project delays while supporting investments in digital infrastructure.

“This initiative helps create a more efficient environment for projects that improve the country’s digital connectivity and critical infrastructure,” Nepomuceno said.

The BoC said the policy is expected to lower operating costs and accelerate the rollout of submarine telecommunications cables, data connectivity projects, and offshore energy infrastructure.

The bureau clarified that the tax exemption applies only to the vessels. Imported materials, including submarine cables, pipes and other equipment, will remain subject to existing customs laws and duties.

The order aligns Philippine customs procedures with the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty governing the temporary admission of specialized equipment across borders.

The new rules will take effect on 17 July.