Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

The Department of Trade and Industry-Strategic Trade Management Office (DTI-STMO) is holding a free seminar in Cebu City on Republic Act 10697, also known as the Strategic Trade Management Act (STMA).

Enterprises exporting strategic goods will benefit from attending the seminar at the Bayfront Hotel in Cebu City on November 6, starting at 8 am.

Companies exporting strategic goods are required to register and secure a license from the STMO in compliance with the STMA, which aims to regulate the export, import, transit and transshipment, reexport and reassignment of strategic goods, software and technology and the provision of related services to prevent weapons of mass destruction from proliferating.

Strategic goods are products that, due to security reasons or international agreements, are considered to be of such military importance that their export is subject to specific conditions or prohibited altogether.

The National Strategic Goods List (NSGL) provides a detailed description of these items, which are annexed into three categories: (1) military, (2) dual-use, and (3) nationally-controlled goods. Under the law, companies that fail to comply could face administrative or criminal penalties, including imprisonment and a fine.

STMO has started to accept applications for registration from companies that engage or intend to engage in the export of strategic goods. Licensing is scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2020.

Specific guidelines and other information may be found at the STMO website. For companies that want to verify if they need to be authorized, the list of dual-use strategic goods may also be accessed online.

The STMO outreach program aims to raise awareness among companies regarding the STMA, as well as promote compliance. In 2019, the STMO has conducted outreach programs in Taguig, Laguna, Tagaytay City, and Subic.

Companies interested to join the Cebu outreach can register through an online form or by contacting +63917 856 6596.

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