The Bureau of Internal Revenue Import Clearance Certificate (BIR-ICC) has been repealed by Department Order No. 11-2018 of the Department of Finance.
Importers and customs brokers accreditation will now be processed solely by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to simplify the process.
DOF Secretary Carlos Dominguez, who signed the Order last 7 February 2018, noted that the move is pursuant to Section 1200 of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Instead, the BOC shall provide the BIR with a list of accredited importers and customs brokers for post-accreditation validation of tax compliance. On the other hand, the BIR shall notify immediately the BOC if there is a case of tax deficiency and non-compliance of accredited importers and customs brokers.
To implement this Order, the BOC and BIR are tasked to issue relevant orders and administrative issuances.
The Export Development Council welcomes this policy decision as it had recommended the removal of BIR-ICC which required many documents and caused delays in the accreditation of importers and brokers. This initiative is seen as putting in action one of the 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte which includes enhancing competitiveness and promoting ease of doing business.