BOC-Cebu shares plans to promote EFTA agreement

CEBU, Philippines —  The top official of the Bureau of Customs in the Port of Cebu has shared the agency’s perspective and plans to advance the Philippines - European Free Trade Association Free Trade Agreement (PH-EFTA FTA) to the members of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).

In a recent meeting hosted by the ECCP with Ambassador Alain Gaschen of the Embassy of Switzerland, BOC-Cebu district collector Charlito Martin Mendoza also reported the preferential tariffs availed since the agreement’s implementation.

Mendoza discussed during the meeting the data on imports and exports from and to EFTA member states as he highlighted the benefits of availing the privileges detailed under the Customs Memorandum Order No. 14-2018.

Mendoza said the PH-EFTA FTA allows local traders exporting to EFTA member states to apply for “Approved Exporter” status with the BOC, which grants them the privilege to prepare an Origin Declaration for their exports instead of securing a Certificate of Origin.

The district collector also discussed the bureau’s Authorized Economic Operator Program to enjoy privileges such as self-assessment and exemption from renewal of accreditation requirements, as well as the remedies of provisional goods declaration and tentative assessment of goods.

With the guidance of Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz, the Bureau commits to actively participate in the government’s push towards promoting free trade agreements vital for the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic.—  FPL (FREEMAN)