Trade Policy & Procedures Simplification

8th September 2022

PBBM vows to streamline further the BOC processes

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM), in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), vows to promote streamlined processes in the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Exporters may look forward to a modernized customs administration with global standards during his administration.

BOC started the works and officially launched the Philippine Customs Modernization Program, reducing manual encoding and paper-based processes into complete computerized customs systems on 26 March 2021. This modernization aims to streamline operations and processes by upgrading its systems, procedures, and operational activities. For more information, visit https://customs.gov.ph/philippine-customs-modernization-program/.

8th August 2022

CBW Automated Inventory Management System (AIMS) to go live on 18 July 2022

In line with the full implementation of CMO 20-2021 and AOCG Memo No. 199-2022, Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group Deputy Commissioner Edward James Dy Buco issued AOCG Memo 229-2022, directing all Collection districts and offices concerned to the full implementation of the Automated Inventory Management System (AIMS) as it will go live on 18 July 2022.

6th July 2022

BOC launches iDeclare to ease services at the airport

The Bureau of Customs launched iDeclare to add its newest addition to its modern systems and innovations for more convenient and faster customs services at the airport.

Effectively on April 29, 2022, Customs Administrative Order No. 01-2017 outlined the clearance procedures for air and sea travelers. Together with CMO No. 11-2022, it provided guidelines for the electronic implementation of the said CAO.

6th July 2022

BSP allows person-to-merchant payments under QR Ph

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has expanded QR Ph, the country’s QR code standard, to enable person-to-merchant (P2M) payments to boost the digitalization of small businesses. The use of QR codes for payments has been gaining traction as an alternative to cash or traditional debit and credit card payments. In November 2019, the payment industry participants led by the Philippine Payments Management, Inc. (PPMI), under the guidance of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), launched the “QR Ph”, as the National QR Code standard.

6th July 2022

WTO continues its e-commerce customs tariff moratorium

Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreed to abstain from imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, last 12-17 June 2022. The moratorium will expire until the next Ministerial Conference (MC13), which will be held on 31 December 2023, or until 31 March 2024 should MC13 be delayed. The said moratorium was adopted by WTO in 1998 and renewed at successive ministerial conferences.

24th June 20224th July 2022

EDC forges BOC and DTI-EMB Memorandum Agreement

The Export Development Council (EDC) forges the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) to ink a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen the partnership in enhancing trade facilitation and further support the development of the export industry. DOF Secretary Sonny Domiguez and DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez are both optimistic on the agreement.

26th May 20228th August 2022

DOF underscores the Duterte administration’s Game-Changing reforms

Dept. of Finance (DOF) Sec. Sonny Dominguez underscored the Duterte Administration’s socio-economic reforms over the past six years, including the Ease of Doing Business Act which paved the way for efficient delivery of public services. The DTI was also commended for the efficient implementation of this law, which remarkably increased the competitiveness of the country’s business climate.

26th May 20228th August 2022

DTI gears up digital transformation for MSMEs

The Department of Trade of Industry (DTI) is gearing up digital transformation regarding the formulation and implementation of the Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy (i3s) for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the country. While MSME’s contribution to the Philippine economy is impressive, they were also the hardest hit during the pandemic as many businesses had been forced to close down. Nevertheless, one silver lining in this crisis is the Digital Transformation that we are experiencing now.

26th May 20228th August 2022

ARTA launches e-ARTA Complaints Management System

The anti-red tape watchdog officially launched e-ARTA Complaints Management System, the first of its kind in the Philippine government. The launch of the said online platform was the agency’s approach to digitize its services and make them more accessible and convenient to the public. It features an a) electronic ticketing system; b) paperless complaint filing; c) cloud storage for backup; and d) SMS notification for complaints.

21st April 20228th August 2022

PH gears up the ATA Carnet implementation to boost economic recovery

The Philippines gears up the ATA Carnet implementation to boost economic recovery. The Carnet System grants temporary admission of goods with relief from duties and taxes, simplifying Customs processes. It will particularly benefit the industries in the Tourism Sector, i.e., Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), in cost reduction and simplification of processes for ease of doing business.