Government agencies are trying to promote ease of carrying out business in the Philippines, which has gradually moved away from archaic practices.
We appreciate that according to the Philippines media, their country has joined the ATA carnet system. In reality, they have taken another step forward but are not yet able to officially accept ATA carnets.
On November 8th 2021, the Philippines senate ratified their membership of the Convention on Temporary Admission. This was significant, although there are still administrative aspects to address before their country joins the ICC list of carnet members.
The process has been a long one, with the ICC first approaching the Philippines in 2009. 11 years passed before President Rodrigo Duterte signed the instrument of accession to the ATA convention, another 16 months before the Senate vote.
There is however little doubt that we will soon be issuing carnets for the Philippines, a valuable part of their progress on trade.
Normalising Practices
The Philippines Business Network and external partners have pushed for change over the last decade. In dealing with corruption, improving security, speeding up legal processes and attracting investment from overseas.
Progess has been made, with the Ease of Doing Business Act passed in 2018, intended to eliminate red tape and improve processing time at government departments. Changes in financial practice have also helped.
The Philippines are ranked 95th on the World Bank 2020 doing business report, a rapid jump of 20 places. They have since then been badly hit by Covid, not least the Delta variant but are still trying to move forward.
Covid case numbers have dropped and plans are in place to reopen the country’s borders when possible, an essential ingredient for trade to grow.
Their Carnets Plans
Documentation to date confirms that the Philippines will accept ATA carnets for all categories, professional equipment, commercial samples and items for trade shows. Carnets will last 12 months and be extendable, subject to application.
They see membership as a positive step in attracting business and making life easier for their companies to promote themselves overseas. Joining the ATA carnet family will also bring them into line with other ASEAN members.
Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand already benefit from carnet use and have been quite vocal on the benefits. Once the Philippines have a national guaranteeing association and other support in place, they will be in the same position.
Part of a quest by their country to expand business horizons, which works in both directions. If we can offer advice, or an update on temporary export to the Philippines, please get in touch with our support team.