Importing goods may seem stressful, and it’s something that can give you carpal tunnel caused by the mountains of papers that need to be signed. But the Philippine government assures importers the aid of support systems, like the government websites, that would somehow make it easier for them to get their stuff in the country.
Importing goods is easier with the presence of the internet. Every bit of the details and requirements needed are placed out there to make everything easier. So when you go to the Bureau of Customs, for instance, a second visit would be unnecessary because, thanks to the website, you’d already know what to bring.
Classifying your product or goods is the first thing you need to do in importation. Which category does your package belong? For instance, according to the Department of Trade and Industry, products can be freely importable. “These are commodities, which importation is neither regulated nor prohibited. The importation may be effected without prior approval of or clearance from any government agency. (dti.gov.ph)”
According to the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines Sec. 104, “The rates of duty herein provided shall apply to all products whether imported directly or indirectly of all foreign countries, which do not discriminate against Philippine export products.An additional 100% across -the -board duty shall be levied on the products of any foreigncountry which discriminates against Philippine export products.”
However, the exemptions are as follows: “a sale pursuant to a judicial order or in liquidation of the estate ofa deceased person shall not be subject to the preceding proviso, without prejudice to thepayment of duties, taxes and other charges; Provided, finally, That the President may uponrecommendation of the Secretary of Finance, suspend, disallow or completely withdraw, inwhole or in part, any of the conditionally -free importation under this section (Sec. 104).”
For more information, importers can always go online and search for helpful websites that provides the dos and don’ts and the requirements for importing goods when it comes to tariff rates. You can go to: scribd.com and search for Tariff Customs Code or dti.gov.ph.
It is easier of course to call ahead to the office of the government to assure the rates posted online. You can call the Department of Trade and Industries with Telephone: (+632) 751.0384 Fax: (+632) 895.6487 or go directly there at385 Industry and Investments Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City, Philippines.
