Subic, Clark investors to enjoy seamless import, export transactions

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga , Philippines – Soon import and export transactions at Subic Bay and this freeport will be rendered  seamless” through automation.

The Clark Development Corp. (CDC) announced yesterday that the automation project under the so-called Electronic Transit and Admission Permit System (E-Taps) will be in place at the two freeports which are now linked by the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

CDC president Benigno Ricafort urged investors here to accredit themselves in the automation project “for the easy access to import and export permits.” He said the project, dubbed E2M which stands for electronic-to-mobile,“ seeks to streamline the Bureau of Customs’ import and export processes and improve trade facilitation between the bureau and its stakeholders, including other government agencies, through the  development and integration of various systems using the Internet and later the SMS (or text messaging).”

“This is towards our thrust of shifting to automation of processes for lesser face-toface transactions,” said Ricafort in a memorandum circular to various import and exporting firms inside this Freeport zone.

“To be eligible to transact in the E2M Customs environment, the importers and brokers must have valid and active Client Customs Number (CCN) from the Client Profile Registration System (CPRS).

Importers and exporters should have bank account(s) information and bank reference numbers of their authorized agent banks (AABs) for electronic payment of customs duties and taxes,” he said.

Ricafort said the firms should have “appropriate licenses, clearance or permits from concerned issuing agencies for their importation. He urged investors here to accredit themselves in the automation project “for the easy access of getting import and export permits.” – Ding Cervantes