Test Your Knowledge on Philippines' Customs Modernization and Tariff Act

Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in the Philippines

• The Customs Modernization and Tariff Act was initiated in 2015 and approved in 2016 to modernize and streamline customs procedures in the Philippines.
• The act's main objective is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of customs operations in the country by implementing a uniform tariff rate.
• The act aligns with the objectives of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in promoting simplification and harmonization of customs procedures.
• The Bureau of Customs adopted the e2m Customs System to digitize its processes and enhance the efficiency of customs operations in compliance with the Philippine E-commerce Act.
• The Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP) is no longer in effect as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act has replaced it, explicitly repealing the outdated regulations.
• The Saving Clause of the act ensures that existing laws, executive orders, administrative orders, memoranda, circulars, rules, and regulations issued by the Bureau of Customs pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1464 remain valid unless they conflict with the act's provisions.
• The CMTA Sec. 1803, also known as the "Repealing Clause", deals with the repeal of certain laws and regulations related to customs and tariffs in the Philippines.
• Customs and tariff practitioners should assess which provisions of the previous TCCP and its implementing rules and regulations are still in effect to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations.
• The World Customs Organization (WCO) is a multilateral governmental body that develops and implements internationally acknowledged standards and best practices to improve customs administration globally.
• The WCO is responsible for the Harmonized System (HS) for the classification of goods and the technical administration of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreements on rules of origin and customs value.
• The WTO is responsible for enforcing the laws and policies that control trade between its member nations and resolving trade-related disputes.
• The implementation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act aims to enhance the Philippines' customs and tariff management landscape, aligning it with international standards and best practices.