Question & AnswerQ&A (BOC Customs Memorandum Order No. 9-2015)
The order enforces strict compliance with import permit requirements for all products listed in the Regulated Imports List of the Bureau of Customs starting May 11, 2015.
Strict enforcement began on May 11, 2015.
Importers must provide the required import permits issued by the appropriate regulatory agencies.
No, requiring import permits for products not on the list is considered a Grave Offense punishable by dismissal.
All drugs and pharmaceutical products for both human and animal consumption require permits from the same regulatory agencies as food and drinks (BAI, BFAR, BPI, FDA).
Chemicals listed in the Regulated Imports List must have required permits; chemicals not listed but found in the Philippine Inventory of Chemicals and Chemical Substances (PICCS) are not regulated imports; chemicals not on the list and not found in PICCS are regulated and require permits from the Environment Management Bureau.
They must notify the Office of the Commissioner by email with product details, legal basis for regulation, and the regulating agency, then wait for future inclusion in the Regulated Imports List before requiring import permits.
Failure to present permits within the entry filing period (30 days from last discharge) or claiming period (15 days after entry filing) does not justify extensions nor lifting of abandonment of shipment.
Officials who require permits for products not in the Regulated Imports List commit a Grave Offense punishable by dismissal on first offense; non-compliance with other sections constitutes Simple Neglect of Duty, punishable by dismissal on second offense.