Philippines to boost trade facilitation with ASEAN

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will participate in the cross-border exchange of the electronic phytosanitary certificate (e-phyto) that would pave the way for a better trade facilitation in the region.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Agriculture kicked off the e-phyto certificate among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations via the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) System.

The Philippines will exchange the e-phyto certificates with ASEAN members using the BOC E-Phyto Management Portal.

The portal has access to the e-phyto certificates issued by the DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the country’s official National Plant Protection Organization as well as those issued by the respective NPPOs of exporting countries.

DA and BOC agreed to promote trade facilitation and strengthen the relations between the two government agencies regarding the import and export of plants and plant products.

Moving forward, the BOC and DA will conduct data and process mapping covering both incoming and outgoing e-phyto messages with ASEAN, as well as system alignment with other modes of exchange that the DA-BPI is currently implementing.

The BOC said the cross-border exchange of the e-phyto certificate would reduce document falsification, increase transparency and predictability in agri-food trade, and facilitate faster Customs clearance.

The latest development is in line with President Marcos’ order to digitalize Customs procedures and processes to bring services at par with regional and global standards.