May 14,2025

To: All LD Agents, Other Networks and Subsidiaries

Attention: Export Coordinators / Managers and up to Managing Directors

Subject: Compliance Advisory – Airfreight & Seafreight Pre-Alert Procedures

Dear Sir / Madame,

Good day.

We have recently experienced late and amendments of cargo manifests, resulting in substantial penalties. To prevent future issues, please ensure strict adherence to the following procedures before loading cargo bound for the Philippines:

• Informed MIFFI ahead of time about the shipment bound for the Philippines.
• Do not load cargo until confirmation is received from the MIF Coordinator.
• Send Draft Pre-alert to MIFFI, as soon as shipment booked to carrier even no GW/CW/Quantity
• Send Final Pre-Alerts promptly, including MBL & HBL or MAWB & HAWB, ensuring complete and accurate details.

Pre-alert timelines are as follows:

• Airfreight:
• Within Asia – Send pre-alert at least 3 hours before arrival or upon confirmed loading to carrier, whichever is earlier.
• Outside Asia – Send pre-alert at least 6 hours before arrival or upon confirmed loading to carrier, whichever is earlier.
• Seafreight:
• Transit time under 72 hours – Send pre-alert at least 14 hours before arrival or upon successful loading to carrier, whichever is earlier.
• Transit time over 72 hours – Send pre-alert at least 26 hours before arrival or upon successful loading to carrier, whichever is earlier.

Immediately notify the MIF Coordinator of any changes, especially flight details.

Penalty Notice:

Late submission of manifests will result in penalties ranging from ₱100,000 to ₱300,000, plus applicable processing costs, charged to the agent.

Your cooperation in maintaining compliance is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your usual support.

Best Regards,

Manila International Freight Forwarders Inc.

Dear Valued Customers,

We would like to inform you about that The Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) announce that exporters can now avail of zero VAT through the Export-Oriented Enterprise (EOE) certification under the CREATE MORE Act (Republic Act No. 12066). This advisory provides complete details on the benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process.

Benefits of the EOE Certification:

1. VAT Zero-Rating on Local Purchases:
• Exporters can enjoy VAT zero-rating on local purchases of goods and services directly attributable to their export activities.
2. VAT Exemption on Importation:
• Importation of goods by EOEs is VAT-exempt, provided these goods are directly used in export activities.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the EOE certification, an exporter must meet the following criteria:

• Export Sales Threshold: At least 70% of the total annual production from the preceding taxable year must be export sales
• Compliance Certification: The DTI-EMB will certify compliance with the 70% export sales threshold.

Application Process:

1. Prepare Required Documents:
• Duly accomplished and notarized application form.
• Proof of export sales meeting the 70% threshold.
• Other supporting documents as specified by the DTI-EMB.

2. Submit Application:
• Applications can be submitted to the DTI-EMB office or via their official email: [email protected]
3. Review and Certification:
• The DTI-EMB will review the application and issue the EOE certificate if all criteria are met. The certificate is valid until the end of the applicable taxable year
4. Post-Audit Verification:
• The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) may conduct post-audit investigations to verify compliance

About the CREATE MORE Act:

The CREATE MORE Act, signed into law on November 8, 2024, aims to enhance non-income tax-based incentives for export-oriented enterprises. It amends sections of the Tax Code to provide VAT zero-rating and exemptions, thereby supporting the growth and competitiveness of Philippine exporters

For more information or assistance with the application process, please contact the DTI-EMB at (+632) 7791.3274 or via email at [email protected].

We encourage all eligible exporters to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your business operations and contribute to the growth of the Philippine economy.

DTI CREATE MORE Certification 

https://portcalls.com/exporters-may-avail-of-zero-vat-via-dti-certification/

             Dear Valued Customers,

We would like to inform you about the recent implementation of new regulations by the Philippine government concerning the importation of goods. These regulations, outlined in Administrative Order No. 23 and Joint Administrative Order No. 001-2025, introduce a digital and integrated system for Pre-border Technical Verification (PTV) and Cross-border Electronic Invoicing (CEI)..

               Understanding the Pre-border Technical Verification (PTV) and Cross-border Electronic Invoicing (CEI)

     JAO No. 001-2025 implements Administrative Order (AO) No. 23 series of 2024, which directs the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to implement the PTV and CEI system to expedite the inspection of all imported goods and to further strengthen national security, safeguard consumers’ rights, and protect the environment against sub-standard and dangerous imported goods. The JAO was issued on January 20, 2025, requires all containerized agricultural products, non-agricultural products with health and safety issues, and other goods susceptible to misdeclaration to undergo pre-border technical verification. All goods imported, whether by air or sea, are subject to the cross-border electronic invoicing system. Implementation will be in phases following the issuance of relevant Bureau of Customs orders

Pre-border Technical Verification (PTV)

• Purpose: To ensure that all imported goods meet declared specifications and are safe and of good quality before they enter the Philippines
• Process: Accredited Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) Companies: These third-party companies are responsible for inspecting goods before they are shipped to the Philippines
• Verification: TIC companies verify the declared specifications, description, weight, volume, and country of origin of the goods

Cross-border Electronic Invoicing (CEI)

• Purpose: To monitor international trade transactions through a single electronic platform controlled by the Philippine Government.

Process:

• Registration: Exporters must register in the CEI system
• E-invoicing: Exporters issue electronic invoices through the CEI platform before exporting goods to the Philippines

Responsibilities of Shippers and Consignees

Shipper Responsibilities:

1. Pre-border Technical Verification (PTV):

• Compliance: Ensure that all goods are inspected by accredited Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) companies before export

• Documentation: Provide accurate and complete information about the goods, including specifications, description, weight, volume, and country of origin

• Digital Certification: Obtain and submit the digital Certificate of Conformity or Discrepancy Report issued by TIC companies to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

2. Cross-border Electronic Invoicing (CEI):

• Registration: Register in the CEI system

• E-invoicing: Issue electronic invoices through the CEI platform before exporting goods to the Philippines

• Mandatory Fields: Ensure that e-invoices include all required information such as unique universal identifier, stamp date and time, invoice number, date of issuance, and contact details

Consignee Responsibilities:

1. Coordination:

• Communication: Coordinate with shippers to ensure they comply with PTV and CEI requirements

• Verification: Verify that the goods received match the specifications and documentation provided by the shipper

2. Compliance:

• Documentation: Ensure all necessary documentation is submitted to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) upon arrival of the goods

• Inspection: Facilitate any additional inspections required by the BOC or other relevant authorities

Implementation Guidelines

• Joint Administrative Order No. 001-2025 provides detailed guidelines for implementing these systems
• Phased Implementation: The use of the CEI system and PTV will be rolled out in stages over the Benefits

Benefits

• Enhanced Customs Processes: Streamlines the inspection and monitoring of imported goods

• Consumer Protection: Ensures that imported goods are safe and meet quality standards
• Environmental Safeguards: Protects the environment from sub-standard and dangerous goods

For more detailed information, you can refer to the official guidelines provided by the Philippine Department of Finance: Philippines Issues the Implementing Guidelines of the Pre-Border Technical Verification and Cross-Border Electronic Invoicing of All Imported Commodities

                                                                             https://www.dof.gov.ph/resources/issuances/joint-administrative-order-no-001-2025/

Dear Valued Customers,

As part of our commitment to compliance with Bureau of Customs regulations, we would like to remind you to verify the regulatory requirements for your imported goods.

Prior to importing any product, it is essential that all importers verify and ensure that the necessary permits and licenses have been obtained for the item being imported. No product should be imported without confirming if the item is regulated and requires permits or licenses.

Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in delays, penalties, confiscation of goods or other legal consequences.

For your guidance, you may refer to the following resources:

CMO-No.09-2015-On-The-Strict-Enforcement-of-Rules-Concerning-Regulated-Imports.pdf

Bureau of Customs website:

Prohibited/Restricted Importations – Bureau of Customs

Regulated Import Products – Bureau of Customs

List of Regulated Import Commodities and their Administering Agencies | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

National Trade Repository

Philippine National Trade Repository (PNTR) | The Philippine National Trade Repository (PNTR) is a web-based portal that provides a single source of comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date information on all trade-related matters.

Please note that these links are subject to change, and it's always best to verify with relevant government agencies for the most up-to-date information.

Thank you for your cooperation and compliance.

Dear Valued Customers,

We would like to remind you of the implementation of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) regulations. ICS2 is the European Union’s advanced cargo information system that requires all Economic Operators (EOs) to submit detailed pre-loading and pre-arrival data for goods entering or transiting the EU, Norway, Switzerland, and Northern Ireland. These regulations are designed to streamline the exchange of information between economic operators and EU Customs Authorities. The system started its transition period on June 3, 2024, and the full implementation for rail and road carriers is set to go live on April 1, 2025.

 Understanding ICS2

ICS2 is the European Union’s (EU’s) advanced cargo information system. It mandates that all Economic Operators (EOs) submit detailed pre-loading and pre-arrival data for goods entering or transiting the EU, Norway, Switzerland, and Northern Ireland.

Required Information for Shipping Instructions:

1. Six-Digit Harmonized Code- for each cargo item, along with clear and complete cargo description.

2. Customs Union & Statistics Number (CUS Code) for harmless or DG chemical -for Chemical Substances.

3. Unique Consignment Reference Number (if available)

4. Consignee Details

a. Economic Operators Registration and Identification Number (EORI Number)- if assigned to the EU consignee

b. Alternatively, provide the consignee’s full address, including P.O box, postal code, subdivision code city and country                                           

5. Supplementary Declarant EORI: if applicable to self-filing or House B/L Operations.

Compliance Options:

Option 1: File Directly- Customers filing directly will need to provide EORI number for compliance

Option 2: Filing through Shipping line or Freight Forwarders- Filing on your behalf, the following additional details will be required:

1. Buyer and Seller Information: For all cargo destined for the EU weather under a House B/L or a straight.

2. House B/L Data- Required

    a. FROB CARGO: Freight remaining on board but destined outside the EU

    b. EU Cargo: Loaded during port call outside the EU

Administrative fee for filing of ICS2:  Administrative fee will be provided by MIFFI Sales Team.

To avoid delays or disruptions we kindly request you to:

1. Prepare the required data in advanced.
2. Share the details promptly as per the outlined requirements.

More information can be found on the European Commission’s website:

https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-security/ics2_en

             Dear Valued Customers,

We would like to remind you of CMO-09-2022, Section 4-4.6, which requires the submission of original hard copies of shipping documents to the CUSTOMER CARE CENTER (CCC) within 48 hours from online filing of the goods declaration.

To ensure compliance with BUREAU OF CUSTOMS (BOC) regulations, we kindly request that you provide us with the original shipping documents before the arrival of the shipment.

Attached is the Customs Memorandum Order 09-2022 for common reference. Thank you!

Dear Valued Customers,

We are writing to inform you about the implementation of the Electronic Certificate of Origin (E-CO) for form D for all ASEAN members (Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Brunei, LAO PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam starting January 1, 2024

To comply with the new requirements, we recommended to register through the E-CO Portal and visit the link for user manual guide.

Thank you!

IMPORTANT NOTICE : AIR SHIPMENT TO PHILIPPINES:

Please send complete Pre-alert docs in advance before shipment ETD given timeline, for us to prepare manifest lodgment, avoid Late Manifest, Amendment, Late I.P/Etaps lodgment & other unnecessary charges including Fines/Penalties. We must receive PRE-ADVISE email of your shipment before you book to airline as we need to check if consignee here in Philippines has an updated permit/BOC Accredited Importer and aware of said shipment for their green light approval as well, as some clients avoid extra storage charge for weekend arrival shipment, with that information of Pre-advise we will be expecting shipping documents from your company. Your advance information is highly appreciated.