Philippines to set up e-com clearing system for goods imported online

The new directive asks all stakeholders, including e-commerce operators, digital platform providers, e-retailers, value-added service providers, freight forwarders and customs brokers, to get accredited by the bureau for e-commerce transactions.

Though the directive was signed by finance secretary Ralph Recto on January 28, 2025, and customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio on December 11, 2024, it was published online only recently.

It is aligned with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Framework of Standards on Cross-Border e-Commerce, WCO Immediate Release Guidelines and the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade Facilitation.

The bureau will issue guidelines and procedures and the conditions for the accreditation of the various e-commerce stakeholders.

Only accredited stakeholders will be allowed to use the dedicated e-commerce processing system (EPS).

The EPS will be a simplified and dedicated system that will enable exclusive processing, lodgment, clearance and release of e-commerce goods classified as category 2 (low-value, non-dutiable goods), 3 (low-value, dutiable goods) and 4 (high-value goods) of accredited stakeholders.

Pending the establishment of the EPS, the bureau may enlist the services of third-party solution providers.

The bureau will also explore the possibility of applying authorised economic operator programmes and mutual recognition arrangements in the context of cross-border e-commerce, including leveraging the role of intermediaries, to enable micro, small and medium enterprises and individuals to fully benefit from the opportunities of cross-border e-commerce.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)