(Eagle News)–The government is implementing an integrated pre-border technical verification and cross-border electronic invoicing system of all imported commodities.
In ordering the move through Administrative Order No. 23, President Bongbong Marcos said “a single electronic invoicing system controlled by the Philippine Government is necessary to effectively monitor international trade transactions of all imported goods.”
For implementation of the system, a Committee for Pre-border Technical Verification and Cross- border Electronic Invoicing shall be created, according to the AO.
The committee shall be composed of the secretary of finance as the chairperson, while the secretaries of agriculture, trade, energy, health, environment and natural resources and information communications technology shall serve as members.
Other members include the BOC commissioner, director general of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and two non-voting representatives from duly recognized industry associations who will be appointed by the chairperson upon recommendation of the committee.
The BOC, as the primary government entity responsible for implementing customs procedures, meanwhile, is implementing the electronic invoicing system in accordance with the government’s strategic direction and policy guidance, international trade standards, and existing laws and regulations.
“The provisions of the order shall be applied to all import commodities in three phases: Phase one for agricultural goods; phase two, non-agricultural goods with health and safety issues; and phase three, other goods with misdeclaration to avoid duties and taxes,” the Presidential Communications Office said.
