Philippines Ranks 2nd among ASEAN on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation

Philippines ranks second-best among Southeast Asian (ASEAN) countries in the 2023 United Nations Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation, scoring 87.10%. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) had set a significant milestone in transforming the BOC into a world-class customs agency in modernizing customs administration and improving trade facilitation. 

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ITC Synergizes with BOI and ARISE Plus Philippines to strengthen Industrial policy

The International Trade Centre (ITC), in collaborative partnership with the DTI Board of Investments (BOI) and ARISE Plus Philippines, jointly synergized a Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) on ‘Innovating Industrial Policy in the Philippines. The initiative aims to explore and strengthen industrial policies as follows:

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PBBM orders boost on PH’s Digital Infrastructure

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered a boost to PH’s Digital Infrastructure, emphasizing digitalization’s relevance in consistently improving the Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines. 

Particularly in streamlining the government’s efforts in processing and issuing permits and licenses to accelerate the development of telecommunication and internet infrastructure in the Philippines. More so, to enhance mobile cellular services and free Wi-Fi across and in remote areas of the country.

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

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:

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