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