Filipino entrepreneurs and exporters welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing of the Instrument of Accession for the Customs Convention on the ATA Carnet for Temporary Admission of Goods on June 23, 2020.
The ATA Carnet system is an international scheme that will allow temporary admission and tax-free and duty-free importation of commercial samples, professional equipment, and articles for presentation or use in trade fairs, shows, and exhibitions.
The ATA Carnet, sometimes referred to as the “passport for goods”, is a single document that will pass through several customs territories and will be valid up to one (1) year.
The system would facilitate Customs controls, therefore reducing the time spent for crossing borders of the goods. It would also contribute to the promotion of trade and open up new and bigger market opportunities overseas once we are ready to host and attend trade fairs again,” said DTI Secretary and Export Development Council Chair Ramon Lopez. “Lastly, it will also enhance the faster flow of product innovations.”
“We are thankful that finally, the Instrument of Accession has been signed, giving a positive signal to the world that we are serious in expanding our trade, particularly exports,” said Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., EDC Vice Chairman, PHILEXPORT President, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Honorary Chairman.
“With the ATA Carnet, there will be savings in terms of time and money in the temporary movement of goods consistent with our thrust to ease doing business in the country,” he added.
The implementation of the ATA Carnet system will support the Office of the President Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 27 which directs “all concerned agencies to strengthen the implementation of the Philippine Export Development Plan and involving other agencies in the development of the export sector”. Specifically, MC 27 mandates the Department of Foreign Affairs to advocate the Philippine accession to the Istanbul Convention.