Gov’t: Single electronic invoicing system to improve inspection of imported goods

The government will be implementing digital and integrated pre-border technical verification and cross-border electronic invoicing of all imported commodities entering the country.

The move is based on Administrative Order No. 23 issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and announced on Sunday,

A statement said the new measure “aims to expedite the inspection of all imported goods entering the country and further strengthen national security, safeguard consumers' rights, and protect the environment against sub-standard and dangerous imported goods”.

“A single electronic invoicing system controlled by the Philippine Government is necessary to effectively monitor international trade transactions of all imported goods,” the AO said.

The May 13 AO, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, will also create the Committee for Pre-border Technical Verification and Cross- border Electronic Invoicing.

The committee shall be composed of the secretary of finance as the chairperson, with the secretaries of agriculture, trade, energy, health, environment and natural resources and information communications technology serving as members.

Other members include the Bureau of Customs (BOC) commissioner, director general of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and two non-voting representatives from duly recognized industry associations to be appointed by the chairperson upon recommendation of the committee.

The BOC, as the primary government entity responsible for implementing customs procedures, will implement the electronic invoicing system in accordance with the government’s strategic direction and policy guidance, international trade standards and existing laws and regulations.

The provisions of the order shall be applied to all import commodities in three phases: phase one for agricultural goods; phase two, non-agricultural goods with health and safety issues; and phase three, other goods with misdeclaration to avoid duties and taxes.

Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act directs the state to develop and implement programs for the continuous enhancement of customs systems and processes.—RF, GMA Integrated News