PH adopts global ‘passport for goods’
July 16, 2024
MANILA, Philippines— The government and private sector rolled out a new system to facilitate duty-free and tax-free temporary admission of nonperishable goods used for exhibits and professional activities to other countries, with the understanding that these goods will be returned to the Philippines.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on Monday launched ATA Carnet, also known as “passport for goods,” which streamlines the clearance for goods and eliminates the need for bonds as a guarantee that the goods will return to the country. It thus seeks to allow businesses and professionals to temporarily export and import items, professional equipment, and commercial samples without having to pay taxes.
“Before, you’d have to secure a tax-exempt certificate coming from the Department of Finance, endorsed by us. That process takes quite a long time. With the implementation of the ATA Carnet, it’s as simple as actually presenting some documents with the BOC and the guarantee will come from the Chambers of Commerce,” Bureau of Customs Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla told reporters.
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Among those covered are commercial samples including jewelry, apparel, watches; items for display such as paintings; and professional equipment, including costumes, musical instruments as well as theatrical effects and sets.
Goods that are consumable— alcoholic beverages, tobacco and fuels; items intended for processing or repair; items already sold or offered sale and unmounted gems—are not covered.
To date, the ATA Carnet document is accepted in 81 countries and custom territories.
The BOC said the processing of ATA Carnet document would only take a day.