Why the Bureau of Customs Has Suspended “Stored” Status for Advance Manifests and What It Means for Forwarders

Understanding the Pause on “Stored” Advance Manifests

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has put a temporary hold on accepting advance cargo manifests filed in a “stored” status. This decision follows a recent suspension of penalties related to the late submission of these manifests, easing the pressure on freight forwarders and the electronic system managing the submissions.

The Original Purpose of “Stored” Submissions

Previously, BOC permitted the submission of electronic consolidated cargo manifests in “stored” status even if the master bill of lading (B/L) or master airway bill (MAWB) wasn’t yet available. This was essentially a workaround that allowed freight forwarders to lodge their advance manifests earlier, helping to meet deadlines despite delays in carriers filing master documents.

Under normal operation, freight forwarders could only file their house airway bills or airway bill once the carrier submitted the master B/L or MAWB to the BOC’s Electronic-to-Mobile (E2M) system. Delays on the carriers’ end often meant forwarders risked late submissions and the accompanying penalties, which ranged from ₱100,000 to ₱300,000.

Why “Stored” Status Is Now Unnecessary

With recent memos from the Office of the Commissioner (OCOM Memo No. 74-2025) and others, and the suspension of penalties on late filings (via OCOM Memo No. 61-2025), the necessity to submit manifests under “stored” status has diminished. The BOC observed that the load on the E2M system has decreased thanks to this early submission method’s temporary redundancy.

Technical Challenges and Freight Forwarder Concerns

Freight forwarders have expressed frustration over penalties incurred when carriers delay submitting master documents. Since forwarders depend on these documents, the risk and burden of penalties often fell unfairly on them. This change reflects an attempt to level the playing field and make the logistics process smoother.

Even though the “stored” submission approach was an innovative solution, it was briefly suspended due to system limitations soon after its initial launch, then reinstated, only to become redundant after the penalty suspension. The E2M system still requires upgrades to fully automate merging of forwarder-submitted data with carrier manifests and to improve handling of large data volumes without errors or slowdowns.

What BOC Expects from the E2M System

According to Customs Administrative Order (CAO) No. 15-2020 and subsequent memos, the E2M system is expected to:

• Allow freight forwarders to submit and store advanced cargo information electronically
• Automatically merge house bill data with master carrier data
• Support large transaction volumes smoothly, without glitches or delays

Impact on Logistics and Forwarding Operations

Pausing the acceptance of “stored” status manifests marks a shift toward improving how advance cargo data is handled, which will eventually benefit the entire freight and shipping ecosystem.

For companies and forwarders, this means a temporary reversion to stricter filing requirements but also provides a push for system enhancements to accommodate smoother, faster, and more reliable cargo declarations. With better technology and processes, delays and penalties could become a thing of the past, making logistics operations more predictable and efficient.

How This Links to Broader Cargo Transport Trends

In the bigger picture, this adjustment plays into the ongoing digital transformation in customs and freight clearance systems worldwide. Efficient manifests and faster clearance are staples of effective cargo shipping, freight forwarding, and global distribution.

These updates can reduce bottlenecks in shipping lanes and ports, leading to faster turnaround times for containers, pallets, and bulk shipments. This, in turn, supports seamless forwarding, haulage, and dispatch processes behind the scenes, crucial for international trade stability and expanding ecommerce logistics.

The Freight Forwarder’s Dilemma and Future Outlook

While the pause on “stored” submissions may bring temporary inconvenience, freight forwarders should view it as a transitional phase toward a more integrated and transparent electronic system. Implementation of these mandated improvements will reduce administrative burdens, improve compliance ease, and avoid unfair penalties affecting forwarders.

Ultimately, the logistics chain benefits from a harmonized and error-free system, fueling both house moves, large cargo transport, and commercial bulk shipments—areas where platforms like GetTransport.com shine by offering affordable, flexible solutions that adapt swiftly to regulatory changes.

Why It’s Worth Considering GetTransport.com for Your Cargo Needs

No matter how intricate customs regulations and electronic systems become, the core need remains clear: reliable, affordable, and hassle-free transport solutions for moving goods, furniture, vehicles, or large shipments. GetTransport.com meets this demand globally, with a network designed to handle varied cargo—from office and home relocations to bulky freight.

By leveraging an extensive pool of transport operators and transparent pricing, GetTransport.com ensures shippers and logistics professionals stay a step ahead in managing freight within new regulatory landscapes. This platform embodies convenience and cost-effectiveness, making it a smart choice for global cargo dispatch and delivery.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Change in Customs and Freight Logistics

Changes in customs procedures, such as the BOC’s pause on advance manifests in “stored” status, underline the evolving nature of international trade regulations and technological frameworks. While this shift momentarily alters how advance manifests are submitted, it points toward a future where digital systems are more robust, integrated, and fair.

The real test, as always, is in personal experience. No amount of reviews or third-party feedback can truly capture the ease or challenges until you engage with the system and providers directly. Platforms like GetTransport.com empower you to navigate these shifts effortlessly, offering competitive pricing, extensive choices, and trustworthy service—making your freight, shipment, or housemove a more streamlined journey. Zarezervujte si jazdu teraz pomocou GetTransport.com and put logistics worries behind you.

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The Bureau of Customs’ suspension of advance manifest submissions in “stored” status follows a parallel halt on penalties for late manifest filings. This move reflects an easing of burden on freight forwarders and signals an ongoing effort to upgrade electronic manifest systems for smoother, error-free cargo data processing. The expected improvements aim to automate data merging, accommodate large submission volumes, and streamline customs disclosure, helping reduce delays and operational risks in cargo dispatch and haulage.

This regulatory evolution has significant implications for global freight forwarding, shipping, and logistics networks. By demanding higher compliance standards and better technology integration, the system ultimately enhances the transparency and efficiency of international cargo movement. For logistics professionals and shippers looking for dependable solutions amid these changes, platforms like GetTransport.com offer affordable, flexible, and convenient freight and cargo transport services globally—be it for moving bulky items, vehicles, or office relocations.

Adapting to customs updates is no small feat, but with reliable partners and smart tools on your side, the journey becomes manageable and cost-effective. GetTransport.com stands as an ideal ally in this dynamic freight environment, ensuring your shipment reaches its destination with ease and confidence.