Title
Ban on Right-Hand Drive Vehicles Importation
Law
Customs Memorandum Order No. 16-2005
Decision Date
Mar 29, 2005
Vessels and carriers are prohibited from accepting right-hand drive motor vehicles for importation, in compliance with Republic Act No. 8506, which bans their registration and operation in the country, imposing severe penalties for violations.
A

Penalties for Violation

  • Violation of the prohibition carries the penalty of prision correccional in its medium period.
  • A fine of fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) will also be imposed.

Duties of Shipping, Airlines, and Common Carriers

  • All shipping lines, airlines, and other common carriers are enjoined to strictly observe the prohibition by not accepting right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles or auto parts intended for RHD vehicles as cargo.
  • This applies to cargo destined to any Philippine Port of Entry.
  • Non-compliance may lead to criminal prosecution for violation of the law.

Handling of Discovered RHD Vehicles or Parts

  • If RHD vehicles or parts are discovered aboard a vessel, such items shall not be unloaded.
  • If already unloaded, they must be placed under continuous underguarding until re-exported to the country of origin.
  • The re-exportation expenses shall be borne by the carrying vessel.
  • Further applicable penalties may be imposed by the Bureau of Customs.

Role of District/Port Collectors

  • District/Port Collectors are directed to inform all shipping and airline companies calling at their ports about this memorandum.
  • They are tasked to strictly enforce the provisions of this order.

Repeal of Conflicting Orders

  • Any previous order, memorandum, or issuance inconsistent with this memorandum order is repealed.

Effectivity

  • This memorandum order takes effect immediately upon issuance on March 29, 2005.

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