The Trade Department said Wednesday it ordered the faster processing and issuance of import clearance certificates by the Bureau of Philippine Standards.
“There are significant increases on the number of ICC applications and number of test reports received and evaluated by the Bureau of Philippine Standards. To expedite the process, I directed the BPS to adopt and implement stop-gap measures to facilitate ease in doing business. This further enhances DTI’s performance in ensuring ease in doing business without compromising product safety,” Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said.
The products in the BPS list of products under mandatory certification that are life threatening are retained to facilitate the issuance of ICC, while the rest of the products in the current list shall be transferred to products under mandatory labeling.
Test reports of specific products shall have one one year validity from the date of issuance, provided that the imported products were manufactured by the same company, with the same type and model such as blender; magnetic/electronic ballast; oven toaster circuit breaker, plug, socket outlet and extension cord of coffee maker; pneumatic tires electric cables, rice cooker and electric fan.
Applications with no valid test report/s shall be issued with ICC certificate but the inspection, inventory, sampling and product testing shall be conducted prior the release of ICC stickers.
If the test reports showed non-compliance to product testing undertaken, the importer shall have the option to request for re-testing.
Non-compliant products will be ordered for re-export to country of origin or they will be destroyed.
“To further complement the policies intended to fast-track the processing of ICC applications, the new measure delists some products/standards from the list of products under mandatory certification,” said Trade undersecretary for consumer protection Victorio Mario Dimagiba.