Category Archives: Uncategorised

Food exporters can now secure Export/Commodity Clearance in one day

Uncategorised No Comments

October 2019, food exporters can now secure Food Export Certificate and Commodity Clearance in one day following the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) move to streamline its process and revision of application form. The old process requires exporters to wait 2-3 days to secure Export/Commodity Clearance.

In an advisory presented during the FDA Forum with Food Exporters on 22 October 2019, it noted that “In consonance with the provision of Republic Act No. 11032 otherwise known as the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018”, the Common Services Laboratory (CSL) revised the current application forms template and process flow in the application of Food Export Certificate and Food Commodity Clearance”. Commodity Clearance is used to prove that the export product is freely sold in the country and safe for human consumption.

To apply for Export/Commodity Clearance, applicants shall submit two (2) copies of accomplished Application Form, photocopies of License to Operate and Certificate of Product Registration, Packing List or Sales Invoice and flash drive (will be returned to applicant) containing the filled templates of the draft Certificates and database.

Revised application form and process flow can be downloaded in the FDA website.

Exporters shall proceed to FDA-Common Services Laboratory office at Starmall Alabang. However, for applicants outside Metro Manila, regional/online application is targeted to be implemented by FDA in 2020.

ADVISORY:

Trade Policy & Procedures Simplification Uncategorised No Comments

COMELEC emphasized the last day of filing for Certificate of Authority to Transport Chemicals being 29 May 2019.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reminded entities engaged in the transport of chemicals that it will accept applications for Certificate of Authority to Transport (CA-TT) chemicals until 29 May 2019 which is the last day of filing of applications.

The CATT must be secured by said entities following the implementation of nationwide gun ban covering the period 13 January 2019 to 12 June 2019.

The reminder aims to prevent any delay in the clearance of shipments at the border or transportation of chemicals from 30 May to 12 June 2019, after the deadline of submission of applications. The COMELEC committed to process and issue CA-TT within 10 days from submission of complete documentary requirements. For the public’s guidance. -ARB

DTI, DOTr, DOF to issue a Joint Administrative Order to regulate local charges imposed by international shipping lines

Transport and Logistics Uncategorised No Comments

 

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Department of Finance (DOF) jointly presented the draft Joint Administrative Order (JAO) to concerned stakeholders. This aims to regulate the local charges imposed by international shipping lines and provide measures to address port congestion.

The issue on excessive and questionable charges levied by some international shipping lines escalated since February 2017 and numerous meetings and forums have been conducted to discuss the recommendations from both the government and private sector.

The JAO was crafted to promote efficient operation of country’s ports and facilitate the importation and exportation of goods to promote more investments. It is also viewed to address the concern of stakeholders on high utilization at Manila ports and difficulty in returning the empty containers to container depots.

After the JAO is signed, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) shall craft and issue their own orders to implement the said joint order.