BOC SELF-CERTIFICATION PROJECT

Introduction

In August 2008, the 22nd AFTA Council Meeting, mandated the development ofmechanisms that will enhance the AFTA Rules of Origin (ROO) and streamline certification

procedures in line with the objectives of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). This

resulted in the initiative towards the adoption of a self-certification system in ASEAN.

The introduction of a self-certification arrangement in establishing the origin of

goods in ASEAN Member States is set to facilitate utilization of the ASEAN Trade in GoodsAgreement (ATIGA). The system eliminates the need to present a Certificate of Origin (CO)

Form D to claim preference under the ATIGA as it allows "Certified Exporters" to self-declare

that their products have satisfied the ASEAN origin criteria by simply affixing a declarationon the commercial invoice.

There are two pilot projects in implementing self-certification system, to acquireknowledge and practical experience of the self-certification mechanism in preparation ofthe ASEAN-wide implementation of the self-certification system. The first pilot project is

composed of Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Singapore, while the second pilot project is

composed by the Philippines, Indonesia and Laos PDR.

To implement the MOU for the Second Pilot Project, Executive Order No. 142 dated

14 October 2013 was approved by the President. Subsequently, CAO No. 06-2013 and CMO02-2014 was issued by the Bureau of Customs providing for the operational procedure in

the processing of documents under this system and the guidelines for the accreditation of

exporters/manufacturers.

FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS

1. What is Self-Certification?

Self-Certification is a system which enables a Certified Exporter to make out in

invoice declaration for the export of goods and declare, by itself, that its products

have satisfied the Rules of Origin (ROO) under the ATIGA by making such declarationon the commercial invoice.

2. Who are the ASEAN Members ofthe 2nd Pilot Project on Self-Certification?

There are three members under the 2nd Pilot Project on Self-Certification, the

Philippines, Indonesia and Laos PDR. However, Thailand and Vietnam have alreadysignified their intention to accede to the 2nd Pilot Project on Self-Certification.

3. What are the benefits of being accredited as a Certified Exporter?

The benefits of becoming a Certified Exporter of the Bureau of Customs are thefollowing:

a. Reduces compliances of exporters and administrative cost associated with

Certificate of Origin (COO)application.

b. Facilitate the release of shipments availing of preferential tariff under the

ASEANTrade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).

4. How does one become a certified exporter?

To become a certified exporter, one has to apply in writing with the Office of theDeputy Commissioner, Assessment and Operations Coordination Group (AOCG),

attn.: Self Certification Implementation and Monitoring Secretariat (SCIMS). The

application shall then be reviewed and deliberated upon by SCIMSif the applicant isqualified.

5. What are the requirements to become a Certified Exporter?

The requirements that should be submitted by the applicant exporter together the

letter of application, are the following:

a. Latest income tax returns;

b. Unique Reference Number (URN) for PEZAlocators and BOC-CPRSfor non-PEZAlocators;

c. Businessperrnit/s:

d. SECjDTIregistration, where applicable;e. List of Authorized signatories which shall not exceed three (3) persons;

f. An illustration of the manufacturing process; and

g. List of products applied for authorization.

6. Who can be an authorized signatory?

Any officer or employee of the applicant exporter can be an authorized signatory, provided that suchofficer, or employee understand or has sufficient knowledge on the Rules of Origin (ROO). Theapplicant exporter may nominate and appoint a maximum of three (3) authorized signatories.

7. Are there any fees required in the accreditation of certified exporter?

None, there are no fees required in the accreditation of an exporter except for thedocumentary stamp attached in the Certificate of Accreditation to be issued to the

Certified Exporter.

For further details, please contact Mr. Christian R. Tibo at (02)526-6458 or (02)527-

4476 or email atecd.selfcertification@gmail.com.