DUTY FREE IMPORTATION OF AQUATIC PRODUCTS INTO THE PHILIPPINES


Among the list of articles that can enjoy the non-payment of Import Duties are those of Aquatic products, but, under certain conditions.

To define, Aquatic products includes all species of aquatic life in both fresh and salt water.

As one of the basic composition of importation in general, is the payment of customs duties, taxes (VAT) and other charges (Terminal Handling, Arrastre, Storage & all others).

Under the provision of section 105a of Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP), "Aquatic products (e.g., fishes, crustaceans, mollusks, marine animals, seaweeds, fish oil, roe), caught or gathered by fishing vessels of Philippine registry: Provided, That they are imported in such vessels or in crafts attached thereto: And provided, further, That they have not been landed in any foreign territory or, if so landed, they have been landed solely for transshipment without having been advanced in condition."

The term "foreign territory" refers to any countries other than the Philippines, while the, "without having been advanced in conditions" denotes no processing has been done to any part of the subject Aquatic products imported, except the preservation to keep it fresh and safe.

Provided, of course, all other permits must be secured as pre-requisites, like the BIR registration, Bureau of Customs Accredition (BOC - ICARE) as bonafide importer of the same, or otherwise, apply for a Once a Year Importation program by the BOC, and the corresponding clearance from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Provided further, with the proper assistance by your contact customs broker, the detailed one by one requirements must be furnished necessary to be cleared and release from the Bureau of Customs Custody.

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Manila, Philippines | Posted: January 2014]