Question & AnswerQ&A (LTO MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 95-225)
The importation of used trucks and buses is governed pursuant to Executive Order No. 782 dated 13 March 1982, as amended by Executive Order No. 354 dated 29 March 1989 and Executive Order No. 361 dated 22 June 1989.
The Amended Guidelines were issued by Hon. Cesar B. Bautista, Undersecretary of Trade and Industry and Chairman of the Inter-Agency Committee on Used Trucks (IAC-UTE).
Used CBU left-hand drive trucks for the transport of goods with a rated GVW greater than 4.5 tons (4,500 kgs.) but not exceeding 6 tons (6,000 kgs.) are allowed regardless of year model, provided requirements are met.
Yes. The imported used trucks and buses must be accompanied by a Certificate of Roadworthiness and Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standards issued by the country of origin stating acceptable levels of emissions at the time of exportation.
Upon shipment arrival, the following are required for the issuance of a release certificate by IAC-UTE: copy of import authority, bank certified copy of L/C if under L/C, complete shipping documents, certificate of roadworthiness and emission compliance from the country of origin, and certified true copy of fully processed import entry documents.
The importer (trader or end-user) must register the imported units directly at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Central Office in East Avenue, Quezon City.
TOO is allowed provided the IAC-UTE Secretariat endorses the transfer to LTO subject to submission of necessary documents, and that the buyer qualifies as a bonafide franchise-holder with conditions as to remaining units or legal status of the units transferred.
Documents include copy of import authority, bank certified copy of L/C if applicable, complete shipping documents, certificate of payment, notarized Deed of Sale, and Affidavit of Waiver.
Buses to be registered as Public Utility Buses (PUB) must bear the inscription "For Passenger Bus Transport Use Only," and those for private use must be inscribed "For Private Use Only" or equivalent.