The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has officially launched its electronic import permit system (e-IPS), making application and processing of import permits faster and more efficient and transparent.
The authority last year tapped e-commerce solutions and networking service provider InterCommerce Network Services, Inc. (INS) to create the web-based and mobile-ready system, which was formally launched on March 27. INS is also an accredited value-added service provider of the Bureau of Customs.
TIEZA assistant chief operating officer for Tourism Enterprise Zone Atty. Karen Mae Baydo, in a speech during the launch, said that through e-IPS, “investors are no longer constrained to apply for import permits before their actual shipments.”
Instead, Baydo said that once the bill of lading is available, TIEZA locators and investors can start with the application process even while the import goods are in transit.
Applications can now be reviewed and evaluated within one working day from the previous six working days, Baydo noted.
Since e-IPS are accessed online, investors no longer have to submit the required documents to TIEZA’s main office in Pasay City and only need to scan their documents and upload them to the system.
INS president Francis Norman Lopez, in a presentation during the launch, said locators need only to register and create an account in the e-IPS to start applying for import permits. Locators also need to make advance payments from where TIEZA and INS fees can be debited.
Lopez said INS will also work to allow online payments in e-IPS.
Since TIEZA can already pre-approve items for importation through e-IPS, the process for applying import permits can be reduced to the target of one day.
Once the application is approved, the locator will get a notification that enables the printing of the import permit, which will be submitted to the Department of Finance (DOF) to secure the Tax Exemption Certificate, and which in turn must be presented to the Bureau of Customs to avail of tax exemption. Lopez said they are working on allowing DOF to authenticate the import permit submitted through the e-IPS by just inputting the import permit number.
TIEZA chief operating officer Pocholo Paragas earlier said automating the import permit process will enhance the agency’s efficiency and make processes transparent, in compliance with the government’s Freedom of Information policy.
Data generated by the system may also be used for analytics on import activities of enterprises.
TIEZA is the agency responsible for implementing policies and programs of the Department of Tourism pertaining to the development, promotion, and supervision of tourism projects in the Philippines. – Text and photo by Roumina Pablo
