President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) signed the “Instrument of Accession” for the Convention of Temporary Admission of Goods (ATA Carnet), also called the Istanbul Convention last 23 June 2020. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) already transmitted the signed Instrument to the House of Senate for concurrence by two-thirds (2/3) votes of its members.

This will boost export promotions by allowing more exporters to send commercial samples, professional equipment and articles to their foreign buyers; and participate in trade fairs, shows, and exhibits without Customs formalities hence reducing cost and time spent in complying with the procedures.

“The system will facilitate Customs controls, therefore reducing the time spent for crossing borders of the goods within over 80 ATA Carnet member countries and territories which is a common practice in the supply chain. This will also contribute to the promotion of trade and open up new and bigger market opportunities overseas once we are ready to host and attend trade fairs again,” EDC Chairman, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a statement.

Being part of the Carnet System is a great opportunity for the country’s economy (i.e. M.I.C.E. Tourism) to restore and flourish international film making, exhibits, and conventions after this COVID-19 pandemic. DTI said that it will assist Filipino exporters “to access key target markets such as China, USA, EU, Japan, and UAE – all of which are signatories to the ATA Carnet.”

“We are thankful that finally, the Instrument of Accession has been signed, giving a positive signal to the world that we are serious in expanding our trade, particularly our exports.” PHILEXPORT President and EDC Vice Chairman Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr. said.

Also, the EDC endorses the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) as accredited by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to be the National Issuing and Guaranteeing Association (NIGA) for the ATA Carnet and further requested the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to be ready for the Issuance of the CMO in time the Senate has concurred the Instrument of Accession (ATA Carnet). MRJ

Online release of Travel Tax Exemption Certificate implemented by TIEZA

August 13, 2020

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Latest News Other Export Updates No Comments

Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) implements the online release of the Travel Tax Exemption Certificate (TEC) in response to the new normal brought by the pandemic. Exporters are encouraged to apply online to access the online release of TEC for their future international activities. TIEZA assures 3 days maximum turn around time of their intranet system to process the release of TEC. With this development, exporters can now print their TEC at the safety of their home instead of going to the TIEZA office to claim the said certificate.

But prior to the online application for the TEC release, TTE endorsement (Signed TTE application form) from the Export Development Council (EDC) is required for validation and verification purposes of TIEZA. Exporters will undergo the usual process except for the submission of TTE application form that can now be submitted thru email along with the requirements (copy of the passport and proof or confirmation of participation to an international event) to any of the recommending agencies (CITEM/ DTI-EMB/ BITR/ PHILEXPORT) authorized under EO 589 for endorsement to EDC.

This was announced by Mr. Cristeto Ocampo, Officer-in-Charge for Travel Tax Department of TIEZA, during the Technical Working Group on Travel Tax Exemption virtual meeting held last 28 July 2020.

For further inquiries on the online issuance of the TTE certificate, exporters may call TIEZA at 02 249-5900 to 79 Local 641, 643, 646 or email at traveltax@tieza.gov.ph. Exporters may also click on this link for the online application of said certificate. MGL

SCMAP advocates to abort NORTHPORT’s New Berthing Procedure due to doubling costs

August 13, 2020

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Latest News Transport and Logistics No Comments

The Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) advocates to abort NORTHPORT’s new berthing procedure as it doubles the costs of doing business making the prices of goods more expensive for the consumers.

Accordingly, this new berthing procedure compels all container vessels to berth at the Terminal 1 of the NORTHPORT, and imposes the use of their quay cranes regardless if the ship has its own crane. The cranage fee summates up to Php 1,587 (VAT inclusive) for 10 and 20 footer containers, hence adding 88% more to the current cargo handling rate of Php 1,800. This added cost and procedure is contrary to the ease of doing business.

The group appealed that the fees imposed must be justified for the modernization effort. However, the cost must be affordable and should not result in the added process and cost. SCMAP Executive Director Ms. Corazon Curay revealed the group’s sentiment on this advocacy during the EDC Networking Committee on Transport and Logistics meeting last 28 July 2020. KJDA

Transport of Potassium Nitrate in solid form authorized by PNP

August 13, 2020

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Latest News Trade Policy & Procedures Simplification No Comments

The Philippine National Police of Civil Security Group (PNP-CSG) clarified in a memorandum authorizing the transport of Potassium Nitrate (KNO3) in its original solid form. This order will not require potassium nitrate to be diluted in liquid form prior to transport and passing through the PNP checkpoints. Said chemical in liquid or solid form shall be transported without delay provided that the company has complied valid permits (Permit to Unload, Permit to Purchase and Move, and Permit to Transfer) bearing the appropriate information necessary for its movement (i.e.PPME#, license#, company name, date of issuance and validity, specific purpose, quantity of chemical, port of origin, and destination). This mandate was clarified in a memorandum signed by PMGEN Roberto Fajardo (PNP-CSG) dated16 July 2020.

This concern was raised by the Export Development Council (EDC) Executive Member, Mr. Roberto Amores representing agri/food sector during the EDC Executive Committee Meeting via zoom last 30 June 2020.

Certain exporters from the agricultural groups have resorted to using this chemical due to climate change. Potassium Nitrate is being used for agriculture to ascertain the heat content required to induce flowering. Said chemical was flagged down at specific checkpoints due to its high explosive rate, with this risk it has to be diluted in liquid form prior to transporting.

PNP-Firearms and Explosives Office Chief, BGen. Rommil Mitra assured that the content of the aforesaid memorandum specifically authorizing the transport of potassium nitrate in solid form will be coordinated and disseminated accordingly among their personnel on the grounds/checkpoints to enhance trade facilitation without compromising public health and safety. MRJ