Philippine Ports Authority to Enforce New Rules Against Using Ports for Storage

MANILA — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) announced plans to tighten regulations on port storage to prevent importers from using ports as long-term storage facilities. PPA General Manager Jay Santiago emphasized that ports are intended for the swift movement of goods, not for warehousing.

In collaboration with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the PPA is reviewing procedures to curb delays in filing import entries. Santiago pointed out that some importers leave their cargo at ports for up to a month, avoiding private storage costs by paying minimal daily fees to store containers at the port.

The PPA is also taking measures to address overstaying shipments. As of September 30, over 500 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) containing agricultural goods remain unclaimed at the Manila ports. The list of consignees responsible has been shared with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for further action.

To ensure efficiency ahead of the holiday season, the PPA has intensified monitoring of pork, chicken, and onion shipments. Currently, some containers have been stored at the port for several years, far exceeding the standard 30-day limit for cargo clearance.