The Philippines has ratified the Protocol on the Legal Framework (PLF) to implement the ASEAN Single Window (ASW). The instrument of ratification was signed by the President on 28 June 2017. The ASW is an electronic gateway that provides seamless and simplified information among ASEAN member states.
This means that the Philippines can now electronically receive and send certificates of origin under the ASEAN Trade in Goods agreement (ATIGA Form D), the document needed to avail of the preferential tariff agreement.
Other cross-border documents will also be exchanged under the ASW Gateway in the future. With this, it will facilitate trade between the Philippine and ASEAN neighbors.
Eventually, the ASW connection will help the Philippines to increase its competitiveness in terms of ease of doing business (EODB), and will increase the transparency of cargo processing by providing more accurate, timely, and cost-efficient exchange of information.- Asnia R. Bayabao & Aira Angel S. Baleos