DAO 99-46 of DENR to be reviewed jointly by BOC and Philexport
Friday, 19 February 2010
The Bureau of Customs and Philexport have agreed to review the controversial DAO-99-46 of DENR entitled Revised Regulations Governing the Entry and Disposition of Imported Logs, Lumber, Veneer, Plywood Based Panels, Poles and Piles, Pulpwood and Wood Chip during a meeting held last February 4, 2010.
On the said meeting, Philexport President, Mr. Sergio Ortiz said that there were developments on the implementation of DAO 99-46 as follows:
· The BOC will allow the release of wood importations that will arrive on or before 28 February 2010 even without the Certificate of Registration (CR) to Import Wood and Wood Products issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), provided that the importer could show proof that he has already applied for the CR with the DENR. Starting on March 1, 2010 however, all wood importers should submit to the BOC a valid CR to Import issued by the DENR prior to the arrival of their importation pursuant to DAO99-46.
· To facilitate the effective implementation of DAO 99-46, the DENR would also officially request the BOC to include in their check list of requirements for wood and wood products importers the CR to Import Wood and Wood Products validly issued by the DENR. This will alert importers to secure the said documentary requirement before they transact with the BOC on their planned importation to avoid unnecessary delays.
· A special meeting among the DENR, BOC, PHILEXPORT, and other stakeholders will be conducted as soon as possible to review DAO 99-46 for possible amendments towards streamlining the process and reducing documentary requirements. Until the necessary amendments to DAO 99-46 are made, we strongly advise you to please comply with DAO 99-46.
The above agreements were arrived at during the meeting held on February 4 among Director Marlo D. Mendoza of the Forest Management Bureau / DENR and his staff, BOC Deputy Commissioner Reynaldo Nicolas and the PHILEXPORT Advocacy team. We are now waiting for the Customs Memorandum Order that will provide the guidelines for implementation at the ports.
