Definitions
- Trade Fair/Exhibition: Specialized displays aimed at introducing products to target markets, involving buyers and sellers, possibly not open to the public.
- Domestic Trade Fair/Exhibition: Open to the general public; not covered by this DAO.
- International Trade Fair/Exhibition: Characterized by foreign exhibitors constituting at least 20% of participants or space rented, or foreign buyers/visitors accounting for at least 4%.
- Exhibitor: Person or firm accepted to participate in an international fair, directly or via agents.
- Buyer/Visitor: Engaged in bulk buying, involving letters of credit, not retail sales.
- PTF/EO: Private entities organizing, managing, promoting international trade fairs in the Philippines.
- International Trade Fair/Exhibition Industry: Service sectors supporting fairs, excluding exhibitors.
- DTI: Department of Trade and Industry.
- ITG: Office of the Undersecretary for International Trade Group, DTI.
- Accreditation: Official recognition by DTI through ITG.
- DAO: This Department Administrative Order.
Voluntary Accreditation System
- A voluntary accreditation system for PTF/EOs is established.
- Only accredited PTF/EOs are eligible for DTI endorsement of fairs they organize.
- This system is temporary.
Accreditation Procedure
- Applications must be filed within three months of the DAO’s effectivity, extendible by ITG.
- Detailed procedures and criteria are in an annex to the DAO.
- Filing requires a non-refundable fee of 500 pesos.
- Upon approval, an accreditation certificate is issued after payment of 2,000 pesos.
- Application grants ITG permission to verify truths in the application.
- Accreditation certificates are valid for three years.
Permit to Organize Trade Fairs
- Applicants must submit a list of fairs planned over three years.
- A single permit covers all listed fairs.
- Permits issued without additional fees; changes or added events require filing at least one year in advance.
- ITG considers intervals between fairs to protect exhibitor and visitor interests.
- Both ITG and APPCEOS issue endorsements but may refuse for justified reasons.
Restrictions and Display
- Certificates and permits are non-transferable and exclusive to the accredited PTF/EO.
- Certificates must be displayed conspicuously in the organizer’s main office.
- Advertisements can reference accreditation and permit numbers.
- Foreign PTF/EOs wishing to hold fairs in the Philippines must collaborate with accredited local PTF/EOs.
Unlawful Acts
- Willful or negligent misrepresentation in applications is prohibited.
- Misrepresenting accreditation status, permit ownership, or DTI support is unlawful.
Administrative Adjudication
- Violations are subject to the DTI Administrative Adjudication System under relevant executive orders.
- Proceedings may commence motu proprio by ITG or by complaint.
- Mediation may be conducted; admissions can result in immediate decisions.
- Cases unresolved in mediation proceed to formal hearing.
Implementation and Sunset
- ITG is responsible for DAO implementation.
- The Undersecretary for ITG may delegate functions.
- The DAO and all accreditation certificates expire simultaneously after three years.
- Administrative actions may continue post-expiration for violations during the DAO’s validity.
Repealing Clause and Effectivity
- Inconsistent prior issuances are repealed or amended.
- The DAO takes effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.