Philippines Customs Guidelines Update

05 Dec 2007

Dear Valued Customer,

This is a message to inform you that the Philippines Bureau of Customs has announced the strict enforcement of guidelines relating to the determination of cost of insurance and freight charges as components of dutiable value.

In order to avoid delays in the clearance of import cargoes to the Philippines, it is essential that you always clearly and accurately record the cost of sea freight on your B/L. This is because ocean freight charges are included in the calculation of custom duties.

This rule as detailed in Memorandum CMO-22-2007 is now being strictly enforced by Customs. Failure to record rates on the B/L could, therefore, lead to significant delays to cargo as it will require authorization from the cargo’s point of origin to issue a freight charge certificate.

Please note that additional electrical power charges will also be incurred on reefer cargo by the destination consignee while waiting for the approval from the cargo origin.

You can view Memorandum CMO-22-2007 issued by Philippine Customs at

http://www.customs.gov.ph/ano_cmo_022.jsp

If you need any more information relating to this issue, please contact your APL representative.