The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has begun implementing the second phase of automation for its minimum access volume (MAV) program.
The first phase, effective November 2011, allowed Philippine importers to electronically file their application for MAV license, specifying the commodities and corresponding volume they intend to import.
Under the second phase, MAV licensees electronically submit their application for MAV import certificates using the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import clearance data approved by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), both attached agencies of the DA.
The online application eliminates submission of a copy of the BAI/BPI SPS import clearance to the MAV secretariat.
The import certificate is also processed and approved online by the MAV secretariat.
After the application has been approved, the importer can print the same in multiple copies, eliminating clerical errors as well as printing in color of the old MAV import certificate form.
“As a way to increase productivity and strengthen business-to-government relationships, electronic data interchange is fast becoming a vital tool for both government and private companies,” Francis Lopez, president of InterCommerce Network Services (INS), said.
INS is DA’s value-added service provider for the automation project.
“Whether it’s filing application for import permits with agencies or import declarations with Customs, electronic transactions facilitate importer compliance to policies and regulations, and enhance integrity and transparency of government processes,” Lopez told PortCalls.
Phase 2 of program also allows INS — with prior authorization from the importer — to send to the MAV secretariat a copy of the import entry and internal revenue declaration or the single administrative document for monitoring of MAV importations and Customs duties and taxes paid.
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