GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES ON CUSTOMS CLEARANCE OF INTERNATIONAL DONATIONS AVAILING OF DUTY AND/OR TAX EXEMPTION DURING CALAMITIES
As a general rule, importations into the Philippines are subject to customs duties and taxes unless there is a specific legal basis for exemption from duties and/or taxes. Importation of goods donated from abroad are only exempt from duties and/or taxes under certain circumstances. These guidelines explain those circumstances, and the procedures which must be followed to avail of duty and/or tax exemptions. They are meant as a guide for senders and recipients of donated goods from abroad. Importation of donated goods which do not meet the criteria explained in these guidelines are not exempt from duties or taxes, and must follow the normal Customs laws, rules, regulations, and procedures for processing of imports.
A. Circumstances at which donated imported goods can be duty- and/or tax-exempt:
All of the following conditions must be fulfilled for the donated imported goods to be duty-free or both duty- and tax-free:eu
The Consignee of the imported goods must fall into one of the categories listed below. The procedures to be followed depend on which category the Consignee falls into. The Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB) of any import transaction identifies who the Consignee on the shipment is and the corresponding procedures are followed.