Dear Valued Customers,

We would like to inform you about the recent implementation of new regulations by the Philippine government concerning the importation of goods. These regulations, outlined in Administrative Order No. 23 and Joint Administrative Order No. 001-2025, introduce a digital and integrated system for Pre-border Technical Verification (PTV) and Cross-border Electronic Invoicing (CEI)..

               Understanding the Pre-border Technical Verification (PTV) and Cross-border Electronic Invoicing (CEI)

     JAO No. 001-2025 implements Administrative Order (AO) No. 23 series of 2024, which directs the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to implement the PTV and CEI system to expedite the inspection of all imported goods and to further strengthen national security, safeguard consumers’ rights, and protect the environment against sub-standard and dangerous imported goods. The JAO was issued on January 20, 2025, requires all containerized agricultural products, non-agricultural products with health and safety issues, and other goods susceptible to misdeclaration to undergo pre-border technical verification. All goods imported, whether by air or sea, are subject to the cross-border electronic invoicing system. Implementation will be in phases following the issuance of relevant Bureau of Customs orders

Pre-border Technical Verification (PTV)

• Purpose: To ensure that all imported goods meet declared specifications and are safe and of good quality before they enter the Philippines
• Process: Accredited Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) Companies: These third-party companies are responsible for inspecting goods before they are shipped to the Philippines
• Verification: TIC companies verify the declared specifications, description, weight, volume, and country of origin of the goods

Cross-border Electronic Invoicing (CEI)

• Purpose: To monitor international trade transactions through a single electronic platform controlled by the Philippine Government.

Process:

• Registration: Exporters must register in the CEI system
• E-invoicing: Exporters issue electronic invoices through the CEI platform before exporting goods to the Philippines

Responsibilities of Shippers and Consignees

Shipper Responsibilities:

1. Pre-border Technical Verification (PTV):

• Compliance: Ensure that all goods are inspected by accredited Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) companies before export

• Documentation: Provide accurate and complete information about the goods, including specifications, description, weight, volume, and country of origin

• Digital Certification: Obtain and submit the digital Certificate of Conformity or Discrepancy Report issued by TIC companies to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

2. Cross-border Electronic Invoicing (CEI):

• Registration: Register in the CEI system

• E-invoicing: Issue electronic invoices through the CEI platform before exporting goods to the Philippines

• Mandatory Fields: Ensure that e-invoices include all required information such as unique universal identifier, stamp date and time, invoice number, date of issuance, and contact details

Consignee Responsibilities:

1. Coordination:

• Communication: Coordinate with shippers to ensure they comply with PTV and CEI requirements

• Verification: Verify that the goods received match the specifications and documentation provided by the shipper

2. Compliance:

• Documentation: Ensure all necessary documentation is submitted to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) upon arrival of the goods

• Inspection: Facilitate any additional inspections required by the BOC or other relevant authorities

Implementation Guidelines

• Joint Administrative Order No. 001-2025 provides detailed guidelines for implementing these systems
• Phased Implementation: The use of the CEI system and PTV will be rolled out in stages over the Benefits

Benefits

• Enhanced Customs Processes: Streamlines the inspection and monitoring of imported goods

• Consumer Protection: Ensures that imported goods are safe and meet quality standards
• Environmental Safeguards: Protects the environment from sub-standard and dangerous goods

For more detailed information, you can refer to the official guidelines provided by the Philippine Department of Finance: Philippines Issues the Implementing Guidelines of the Pre-Border Technical Verification and Cross-Border Electronic Invoicing of All Imported Commodities

                                                                             https://www.dof.gov.ph/resources/issuances/joint-administrative-order-no-001-2025/