Philippine Tariff Commission

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 

TARIFF COMMISSION 

5 th Floor, Philippine Heart Center Building 

East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 

January 25, 2010 

Her Excellency 

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO 

President of the Philippines 

Malacañang, Manila 

Madam President: 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 507 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the 

Philippines (Presidential Decree No. 1464, as amended), I have the honor to submit 

herewith the Annual Report of the Tariff Commission for Calendar Year 2009. 

Very truly yours, 

EDGARDO B. ABON 

Chairman

VISION 

Th e Ta r i f f Co m m i s s i o n s h a l l b e t h e p r i n c i p a l a n d 

i n d e p e n d e n t a u t h o r i t y o n t a r i f f, t r a d e r e m e d y m e a s u r e s 

a n d c o m p e t i t i o n p o l i c y t o e n h a n c e i n d u s t r y c o m p e t i t i v e n e s s 

a n d p r o m o t e c o n s u m e r w e l f a r e . 

MISSION 

Th e Ta r i f f Co m m i s s i o n , a k e y a d v i s e r t o t h e e x e c u t i v e a n d 

l e g i s l a t i v e b r a n c h e s o f g o v e r n m e n t o n t a r i f f a n d r e l a t e d 

m a t t e r s, a n i n d e p e n d e n t a d j u d i c a t o r y b o d y o n t r a d e 

r e m e d y c a s e s a n d a n a d v o c a t e o f a s t r o n g c o m p e t i t i o n l a w 

a n d p o l i c y, r e m a i n s c o m m i t t e d t o t h e p u r s u i t o f g o o d a n d 

e f f e c t i v e g o v e r n a n c e. In t h e c o n d u c t o f p u b l i c h e a r i n g s 

a n d c o n s u l t a t i o n s, w e c o m m i t o u r s e l v e s t o b a l a n c e w i t h 

o b j e c t i v i t y t h e i n t e r e s t s o f o u r s t a k e h o l d e r s, i n c l u d i n g 

c o n s u m e r s . 

Wh e r e o u r c o m p e t e n c e in t a r i f f c o m m i t m e n t s is r e q u i r e d 

in r e l a t i o n t o i n t e r n a t i o n a l t r a d e, w e w o r k h a r m o n i o u s l y 

w i t h o t h e r a g e n c i e s in p r o m o t i n g t h e n a t i o n a l i n t e r e s t. 

We e n d e a v o r t o s e c u r e t h e b e s t f o r o u r s t a f f, t o h o n e 

t h e i r skills a n d d e v e l o p t o t h e fullest t h e i r p o t e n t i a l s 

e v e n a s w e instill in t h e m t h e v a l u e s o f h o n e s t y, dignity 

a n d t h e p r i d e i n h e r e n t in w o r k i n g f o r c o u n t r y a n d 

p e o p l e. 

Th e Ta r i f f Co m m i s s i o n d i s c h a r g e s i t s d u t i e s a n d 

responsibilities w i t h u t m o s t c o m p e t e n c e a n d e f f i c i e n c y 

a s a m o d e l o f e x c e l l e n c e a n d i n t e g r i t y in g o v e r n m e n t 

s e r v i c e.

Table of Contents 

Letter to the President 

Vision/Mission Statements 

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENT, 2009 1 

COMMISSION CASELOAD, CY 2009.....................................................5 

I. SECTION 401 – MODIFICATION OF DUTY (FLEXIBLE CLAUSE) 6 

II. 

III. 

IV. 

SECTION 402 – PROMOTION OF FOREIGN TRADE13 

TRADE REMEDY MEASURES24 

SECTION 1313-a - TARIFF COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION27 

V. SECTION 506 – ASSISTANCE TO THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS 

OF THE PHILIPPINES 29 

VI. ADVOCACY PROGRAM 38 

VII. OTHER ACTIVITIES 40 

A. Competition Policy............................................................. 40 

B. Project Proposal ................................................................ 47 

C. Assistance to Stakeholders.................................................. 47 

TARIFF COMMISSION DIRECTORY..................................................... 63 

Annex A 

TARIFF COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION (TCC) RULINGS ISSUED IN 2009 

Annex B 

FOREIGN TRAININGS/SEMINARS ATTENDED 

Annex C 

LOCAL TRAININGS/SEMINARS ATTENDED

An n u a l Re p o r t 2009 

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENT, 2009 

Calendar Year 2009 was again a banner year for the Tariff Commission. 

It continued its implementation of the relevant provisions of the Tariff and 

Customs Code with the usual efficiency and thoroughness, notwithstanding 

the temporary vacuum created by government reorganization under Executive 

Order No. 366 which was implemented at the start of the year. 

In both local and international fronts, consultations and public hearings 

were conducted, prior to the issuance by the President of several Executive 

Orders meant to cure the plight of domestic industries reeling from the effects 

of global economic meltdown. 

The undertakings of the Commission during the year again enhanced 

its contribution in the national effort towards economic emancipation and 

development. 

In a nutshell, following are the accomplishments of the Commission 

during the year. 

Section 401 – Modification of Duty (Flexible Clause) 

Public hearings were conducted on petitions for tariff modification initiated 

by the private sector and the government as well during the year. The findings 

and recommendations of the Commission on said petitions were submitted to 

the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for consideration 

of the Tariff and Related Matters (TRM) Technical and Cabinet Committees. 

The said public hearings resulted in the issuance of three (3) Executive Orders 

(EOs), to wit: 

EO No. 790 (Modifying the nomenclature and rates of import duty on 

various products under Section 104 of the Tariff and Customs Code of 

1978, as amended). 

EO No. 818 (Extending the effectivity of the zero rate of import duty 

on milling wheat under Section 104 of Presidential Decree No. 1464, 

otherwise known as the Tariff and Customs Code of 1978, as amended, 

as provided for under Section 3 of Executive Order No. 765, series of 

2008). 

1


EO No. 819 (Extending the effectivity of the zero rate of import duties 

on cement and cement clinker under Section 104 of Presidential Decree 

No. 1464, otherwise known as the Tariff and Customs Code of 1978, as 

amended, as provided for under Section 3 of Executive Order No. 766, 

series of 2008). 

Section 402 – Promotion of Foreign Trade 

Public consultations were conducted regarding the Philippines’ regional 

tariff commitments under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); 

ASEAN Integration System of Preferences (AISP); ASEAN Trade in Goods 

Agreement (ATIGA); ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA); and ASEAN-Korea 

Free Trade Area (AKFTA). With regard to WTO activities, the Commission 

reviewed and verified the comments/changes made by the United States on the 

Philippines’ HS 2002 Revised Schedule of Commitments submitted to the WTO, 

and participated in the Workshop on Market Access for ASEAN Economies. 

During the year, the President signed the following EOs drafted by the 

Commission concerning the implementation of the tariff commitments of the 

Philippines arising from its membership in the ASEAN: 

EO No. 812 (Modifying the rates of duty on certain imported articles as 

provided for under the Tariff and Customs Code of 1978, as amended, in 

order to implement the commitment to reduce the tariff rates on ninety 

percent (90%) of the products in the normal track to zero with flexibility 

under the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area [AKFTA]). 

EO No. 814 (Modifying the rates of duty on certain imported articles as 

provided for under the Tariff and Customs Code of 1978, as amended, in 

order to implement the 2009-2012 Philippine schedule of tariff reduction 

under the Normal Track of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area on certain 

products and to implement the transfer of certain tariff lines from the 

sensitive track to the normal track category of the ASEAN-China Free 

Trade). 

2


R.A. 8800 (Safeguard Measures Act of 2000) 

On June 29, 2009, the Commission submitted to the Department of Trade 

and Industry (DTI) Secretary its Formal Investigation Report on the petition for 

application of safeguard measure against the importation of steel angle bars. 

The Commission found the existence of a causal link between the increased 

imports and serious injury to the domestic industry and recommended a 

specific safeguard duty of P7,700/MT to be imposed on imports of steel angle 

bars effective for three (3) years counting from January 12, 2009, the date the 

provisional measure took effect. 

On the monitoring of adjustment plans for the domestic flat glass industry, 

the Commission submitted its monitoring report to the DTI Secretary on 

January 30, 2009 with the finding that serious efforts were being undertaken 

by the industry to comply with its adjustment plan and enhance its import 

competitiveness. 

Regarding the request for the maximum extension of the imposition of 

safeguard measure against the importation of figured glass and clear and tinted 

float glass, the Commission recommended that the imposition of safeguard 

measure on said products be extended for another three (3) years. 

Section 1313-A — (Tariff Commodity Classification) 

One hundred ninety nine (199) tariff commodity classification rulings 

were issued for the period covered. 

Section 506 (Assistance to the President and Congress of the Philippines) 

The Commission provided technical assistance to the Senate and the 

House of Representatives by way of submission of comments/recommendations 

concerning proposed bills involving tariff and trade-related matters. 

3


HS/AHTN Implementation 

In connection with the HS/AHTN 2007 implementation, the Commission 

undertook the following activities: 

Publication of the AHTN TCCP (January 2009 edition) incorporating the 

latest Executive Orders reflecting the MFN (EOs 765 &766) and CEPT 

(EOs 613 & 703) rates of duty; 

Alignment of products under the AFTA-CEPT and the proposed lists under 

the AJFTA, AANZFTA, AIFTA and AEUFTA; 

Preparation of the Executive Orders on additional products for the Normal 

Track lists of the Philippines under AKFTA and ACFTA; and 

Implementation of the commitment to reduce tariff rates on certain 

products included in the agreement between the Philippines and Japan 

(JPEPA). 

Competition Policy 

As an active advocate of Competition Policy, the Commission, among 

others: 

Supported the passage of a bill on Comprehensive Competition Law 

including the creation of a Fair Trade Commission; 

Represented the Philippines in the ASEAN Expert Group on Competition 

(AEGC); and 

Participated in various capacity building activities in the Philippines and 

around the region. 

Advocacy Program 

Finally, the Commission continued its advocacy program in different 

regions of the country by way of lectures/seminars on the latest developments 

in trade and tariff policy. 

4


COMMISSION CASELOAD, CY 2009 

SUBJECT 

CASES 

BROUGHT 

FORWARD 

FROM 

PREVIOUS 

YEAR 

REQUESTS 

RECEIVED/ 

INITIATED 

BY GOV’T 

TOTAL 

REPORTS/ 

CLASSI- 

FICATION 

RULINGS 

ISSUED 

REQUESTS 

WITHDRAWN/ 

WITHHELD 

REQUESTS/ 

RULINGS 

OUTSTANDING 

(as of 

Dec. 31, 2009) 

Section 401 

Tariff 

Modification 

4 11 15 15 — — 

Section 402 

AISP 

— 

1 

1 

1 

— 

— 

ATIGA 

— 

1 

1 

1 

— 

— 

ASEAN-China 

— 

1 

1 

1 

— 

— 

ASEAN-Korea 

— 

3 

3 

3 

— 

— 

ASEAN-ANZ 

1 

— 

1 

1 

— 

— 

ASEAN-India 

1 

— 

1 

1 

— 

— 

Section 1313-A 

Tariff 

Classification 

33 224 257 199 22 0 

R.A. 8800 

Original 

— 

1 

1 

1 

— 

— 

Extension 

— 

1 

1 

1 

— 

— 

Monitoring 

Review 

1 

— 

1 

1 

— 

— 

5


I. SECTION 401 – MODIFICATION OF DUTY (FLEXIBLE CLAUSE) 

Section 401 (Flexible Clause) of the Tariff and Customs Code of the 

Philippines (TCCP) empowers the Commission to conduct public hearings on 

individual requests and motu proprio petitions for tariff modification. 

Under this provision, the petitioner is required to accomplish Tariff 

Commission Form No. 3 (Information for Tariff Adjustment) which is available 

at the Commission. Relative to the conduct of Section 401 public hearings, the 

Commission invites all interested parties and publishes notices of public hearings 

in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. During the hearing, concerned 

parties are given the opportunity to make oral presentations and to present 

evidence in support of their positions. The Commission’s investigative process 

also involves plant visits which include, among others, the ocular inspection of 

both plant facilities and production process and the verification of the accuracy 

and authenticity of some or all the data and information submitted in support 

of the positions of the parties concerned. 

The Commission’s report of findings and recommendations are submitted 

to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and deliberated 

upon by the Tariff and Related Matters (TRM) Technical and Cabinet Committees. 

Upon final approval by the NEDA Board, the Commission prepares the necessary 

implementing Executive Order (EO) for signature of the President. 

For the period covered, the Commission conducted public hearings 

covering various articles as shown below: 

Public Hearings Conducted 

Actions Taken by the 

Commission/Status 

May 29, 2009 

Petitions for tariff modification on: 

Milling Wheat 

Cement and cement clinkers 

Linear alkylbenzene sulphonate acid 

EO 818 signed July 10, 2009. 

EO 819 signed July 10, 2009. 

For CTRM deliberation. 

6


Public Hearings Conducted 



July 14, 2009 


Printed books, journals, music, maps and other printed matter; 

disc, tapes and other recorded media; stuff toys, jigsaw or picture 

puzzles and other toys 

Draft EO submitted to NEDA. 

August 6, 2009 


Mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkyl naphthalenes 

Hot rolled steel; cold-rolled steel 

For CTRM deliberation after BOI 

verifies data. 

For CTRM deliberation after BOI 

verifies data. 

November 4, 2009 


Polyamide-6 

Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 

80% vol or higher; ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any 

strength 

Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude; 

petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, other 

than crude; preparations not elsewhere specified or included, 

containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or of oils 

obtained from bituminous minerals, these oils being the basic 

constituents of the preparations; waste oils; asphalts 

Report Submitted to NEDA. 

Report Submitted to NEDA. 

For CTRM final deliberations. 

December 4, 2009 


Milling wheat 

Cement and cement clinker 

EO 863 signed February 19, 2010 

EO 862 signed February 19, 2010 

7


Chairman Edgardo B. Abon, (above, center), Commissioners Edgardo R. Maralit (left) and 

Marilou P. Mendoza (right) during the Sections 401/402 public hearing/consultation on the 

petition for tariff modification on (a) mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes, 

(b) hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel products, and (c) the transfer of hot-rolled steel 

products and cold-rolled coils from the Philippines’ Sensitive List (SL) to the Normal 

track (NT) in the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) and ASEAN-Korea Free Trade 

Area (August 6, 2009). 

During the year, the Commission drafted three (3) EOs signed by the 

President: 

EO No. 790 (signed June 5, 2009) 

Modifying the nomenclature and rates of import duty on various 

products under Section 104 of the Tariff and Customs Code of 1978 

(Presidential Decree No. 1464, as amended). 

EO No. 818 (signed July 10, 2009) 

Extending the effectivity of the zero rate of import duty on milling wheat 

under Section 104 of Presidential Decree No. 1464, otherwise known as 

the Tariff and Customs Code of 1978, as amended, as provided for under 

Section 3 of Executive Order No. 765, series of 2008. 

8


EO No. 819 (signed July 10, 2009) 

 

Extending the effectivity of the zero rate of import duty on 

cement 

and cement clinker under Section 104 of Presidential Decree No. 1464, 

otherwise known as the Tariff and Customs Code of 1978, as amended, 

as provided for under Section 3 of Executive Order No. 766, series of 

2008. 

The 2009 tariff schedule contained 8,986 AHTN lines which is approximately 

1.30% more than the 8,871 AHTN lines in 2008 which contained major changes 

in tariff nomenclature brought about by the AHTN 2007 amendments. In 2009, 

few tariff adjustments were effected by certain EOs relating to MFN rates 

implemented during the year, to wit: EOs 790, 818 and 819. 

The tariff structure in 2009 ranged from 0% to 65%, of which fifty-nine 

percent (59%) included rates of duty of 0% to 5%; thirty-four percent (34%) 

comprised rates of duty of 7% to 15%; and only seven percent (7%) remained 

at high level rates of duty of 20% to 65%. 

Tariff Level (%) 

No. of Tariff Lines 

2008 2009* 

% Difference 

0 344 348 1.16 

1 2,129 2,140 0.52 

3 2,220 2,216 (0.18) 

5 604 602 (0.33) 

7 889 888 (0.11) 

10 1,078 1,107 2.69 

15 1,040 1,071 2.98 

20 171 193 12.87 

25 4 4 0.00 

30 217 242 11.52 

35 23 23 0.00 

40 125 125 0.00 

45 5 5 0.00 

50 18 18 0.00 

65 4 4 0.00 

TOTAL 8,871 8,986 1.30 

* as of EOs 818 and 819 (issued on July 10, 2009) 

9


Sugar and rice were given the highest tariff rates of 65% and 50%, 

respectively. A total of 150 sensitive agricultural products were subject to inquota 

rates of 30% to 50% and out-quota rates of 35% to 65% (e.g., rice, sugar, 

coffee and coffee extracts, potatoes, certain live animals and animal products, 

certain meat and edible meat offal). Rates of duty of 20% to 30% were 

basically levied on automobiles and parts, chemical wastes, made-up textile 

articles, high value crops, in-quota agricultural products and other strategic 

merchandise; 5% to 15% rates of duty were applied to locally manufactured 

intermediate goods; and 3% and below rates of duty were levied on WTO 

Information Technology products, inputs to manufactured goods and those 

that are not locally produced. 

10


Sector 

Year 

Simple-Average 

Tariff (%) 

Trade-Weighted 

Average Tariff (%) 

2005 11.85 13.12 

Agriculture 

(HS Chapters 1-24) 

2006 11.85 12.76 

2007 11.82 12.82 

2008 11.95 12.00 

2009 11.94 16.93 

2005 2.47 2.86 

Mining 


2006 2.47 2.76 

2007 2.47 2.79 

2008 2.47 2.79 

2009 2.28 2.70 

2005 7.29 3.16 

Manufacturing 


2006 7.26 3.25 

2007 7.32 3.69 

2008 6.08 3.71 

2009 6.53 3.90 

2005 7.81 4.11 

Overall 


2006 7.77 4.11 

2007 7.82 4.59 

2008 6.95 4.52 

2009 7.34 5.62 

Notes: 

• Tariffs were weighted using import levels for the year except for 2009 where averages were calculated using 2008 

imports as weights 

• Averages were calculated based on ad valorem duties under EOs 818 and 819 

11


The average applied MFN tariffs in 2009 increased by 5.61% from last 

year’s level. This came about as a result of the extraction of additional alphanumeric 

tariff lines (representing Philippine national subheadings) specifically 

in the manufacturing sector and the reversion of the MFN rate of duty on feed 

wheat (AHTN Code 1001.90.99) from 0% to 7% under EO 818 (issued on July 

10, 2009). The significant volume of importations in the agricultural sector 

levied tariff quotas (e.g., rice, coffee, tobacco, meat of bovine animals, etc.) 

resulted to about 24% increase in the overall trade-weighted average tariff in 

2009. 

The petitioner clarifies a point during the Section 401 public hearing on the petition for 

tariff modification on hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel products (August 6, 2009). 

12


II. 

SECTION 402 – PROMOTION OF FOREIGN TRADE 

In order to expand the foreign market for Philippine products, the 

Commission is mandated to conduct public consultations with interested 

parties before the Philippines (1) enters into any trade agreement with any 

foreign government or instrumentality thereof; and (2) modifies import duties 

(including any necessary change in classification) and other import restrictions, 

as are required or appropriate to carry out and promote foreign trade. 

Interested parties may petition the Commission for tariff modification 

under Section 402 while submitting the required duly accomplished Tariff 

Commission Form 4 (Request for Withdrawal/Suspension of Concessions). 

Concerned parties are invited to these consultations the schedules and 

product coverage of which are published in two (2) leading newspapers of 

general circulation. 

As in Section 401 hearings, the Commission affords each interested party 

reasonable opportunity to express his views during the public consultation. 

In order to verify the positions/evidences presented, plant visits are likewise 

conducted by the Commission. Findings and recommendations are submitted 

to NEDA which then schedule these for deliberation by the TRM Technical and 

Cabinet Committees. Upon final approval by the NEDA Board, the Commission 

prepares the necessary implementing Executive Order (EO) for signature of the 

President. 

A. The Commission, during the year, held Section 402 public consultations 

regarding: 

Trade Forum/Subject 



ASEAN Integration System of Preferences (AISP) 

May 29, 2009 

Request of Myanmar under the ASEAN Integration System of 

Preferences (AISP). 

Report submitted to NEDA. 

ASEAN Trade In Goods Agreement (ATIGA) 

June 16, 2009 

To determine the Tariff Reduction Modality for Rice under AHTN 

10.06 in compliance with the Phasing-In of Rice from the Highly 

Sensitive List (HSL) to the Inclusion List (IL). 


13


Trade Forum/Subject 



ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 


Request to transfer hot-rolled steel coils and cold-rolled steel coils 

from the Philippines’ Sensitive List (SL) to the Normal Track (NT). 


ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area 


Request to transfer hot-rolled steel coils and cold-rolled steel coils 

from the Philippines’ Sensitive List (SL) to the Normal Track (NT). 


December 4, 2009 

Request to transfer cochin / refined coconut oil from the Philippines 

Sensitive Track List (ST) to the Normal Track (NT). 

Preliminary report submitted to 

NEDA. 

List of products in the Sensitive List of Korea requested to 

permanently waive the reciprocity principle under the AKFTA. 

Parties in attendance during the Section 401/402 public consultation on (a) the review 

of zero duty on milling wheat, cement and cement clinker; (b) the request to transfer 

cochin/refined coconut oil from the Philippines Sensitive Track list (ST) to the Normal 

Track (NT) under the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA); and (c) the list of 

products proposed to permanently waive the reciprocity principle under the AKFTA 

(December 4, 2009). 

14


Commissioners Edgardo R. Maralit (left) and Marilou P. Mendoza (right) preside over 

the Section 401/402 public consultation on (a) the review of zero duty on milling wheat, 

cement and cement clinker; (b) the request to transfer cochin/refined coconut oil from 

the Philippines Sensitive Track list (ST) to the Normal Track (NT) under the ASEAN-Korea 

Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA); and (c) the list of products proposed to permanently 

waive the reciprocity principle under the AKFTA (December 4, 2009). 

TC Technical Staff during the Section 401/402 public consultation on (a) the review of 

zero duty on milling wheat, cement and cement clinker; (b) the request to transfer 

cochin/refined coconut oil from the Philippines Sensitive Track list (ST) to the Normal 

Track (NT) under the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA); and (c) the list of 

products proposed to permanently waive the reciprocity principle under the AKFTA 

(December 4, 2009). 

15


B. For the period covered, the Commission drafted four (4) EOs signed 

by the President: 


Modifying the rates of duty on certain imported articles as provided for 

under the Tariff and Customs Code of 1978, as amended, in order to 

implement the commitment to reduce the tariff rates on ninety percent 

(90%) of the products in the normal track to zero with flexibility under 

the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area (AKFTA). 


Modifying the rates of duty on certain imported articles as provided for 

under the Tariff and Customs Code of 1978, as amended, in order to 

implement the 2009-2012 Philippine schedule of tariff reduction under 

the Normal Track of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area on certain 

products and to implement the transfer of certain tariff lines from the 

sensitive track to the normal track category of the ASEAN-China Free 

Trade. 

EO 850 (signed December 23, 2009 ) 

Modifying the rates of duty on certain imported articles as provided 

under the Tariff and Customs Code of 1978, as amended, in order 

to implement the commitment to eliminate the tariff rates on the 

remaining products in the inclusion list in year 2010 under the Common 

Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Scheme for the ASEAN Free Trade 

Area (AFTA)/ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). 

EO 851 (signed December 23, 2009) 

Modifying the rates on certain imported articles as provided under the 

Tariff and Customs Code of 1978, as amended in order to implement the 

commitments on trade in goods chapter of the Agreement establishing 

the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA). 

Rules of Origin (ROO) 

Rules of Origin refers to the “set of criteria used to determine the country 

of origin of a good in international trade.” An important component of every 

Free Trade Agreement (FTA), ROO does not only identify the origin of the 

products that are eligible for preferential tariffs extended to the parties of 

16


an FTA from taking advantage of different external tariff rates imposed by 

individual member states. 

The Commission was fully occupied in the area of ROO for the year 2009. 

It actively participated in the drafting of the country’s positions, proposals 

and counter-proposals regarding issues in the ASEAN-CEPT conversion to the 

product specific rules based on tariff shift, and ROO agreements with different 

dialogue partners. 

An active member of the Philippine delegation, the Commission continued 

to participate in the negotiating sessions, attended inter-agency meetings and 

provided comments and recommendations on ROO of the various FTAs such 

as the ASEAN Australia and New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA), the ASEAN Japan 

Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) and the ASEAN-India FTA, 

including the meetings of the ASEAN Task Force on ROO. 

Besides the above engagements, the Commission conducted a series of 

ROO seminars and workshops with the private sector (e.g., Philexport, industry 

associations, customs brokers) and concerned government agencies (e.g., 

Bureau of Customs, Board of Investments, BETP). 

Below are some of the major accomplishments of the Commission in the 

field of foreign trade promotion: 

I. Multilateral Trading Arrangements 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

Reviewed and verified the comments/changes made by US on the 

Philippines’ HS 2002 Revised Schedule of Commitments submitted to 

the WTO; 

Reviewed and verified the Philippines’ HS 2002 transposition file 

posted in the Consolidated Tariff Schedules Database File Transfer 

Facility (FTF) vis-à-vis from the original submission of the Philippines’ 

Schedule LXXV; 

Provided comments on the Trade Policy Review (TPR) of European 

Community (EC), Japan and New Zealand; 

‣¾ Participated in the Hands-on-Training for the Preparation of the 

Agriculture Schedule and Developments in the Negotiating Group on 

Market Access; 

17


‣¾ 

‣¾ 

Participated in the Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) scheduling 

workshop; and 

Attended WTO Ministerial Conference and WTO Regional Seminar on 

NAMA Negotiations for Asian Economies. 

II. Regional Trading Arrangements 

A. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 

‣¾ 

The Commission, per requests from other agencies/parties, 

submitted comments and observations on the following: 

Project Proposal on the Enhancement of the ASEAN Consultation 

to Solve Trade and Investment Issues (ACT) in Anticipation of 

its Expansion of Coverage; 

Terms of Reference (TOR) of the ASEAN Economic Community 

(AEC); 

TOR on the Mapping of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement 

(ATIGA), disciplines on Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) and the 

Establishment of ASEAN Trade Repository (ATR) in the AHTN 

Website; 

TOR of the ASEAN Trade Facilitation Joint Consultative Committee 

(ATF-JCC); and 

Latest draft of the ASEAN-Economic Community (AEC) Scorecard 

particularly on the Trade in Goods Section; 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

Submitted the Philippines’ response to the transposition verification 

made by the ASEAN Secretariat on the various PIS products; 

Attended Joint Consultative Session on the ASEAN Assessment 

Framework on Trade Facilitation; 

th 

‣ ¾ Participated in the 54 and 55 th Meetings of the Coordinating 

Committee on the Implementation of the Common Effective 

Preferential Tariff for the ASEAN Free Trade Area (CCCA); 

‣¾ Attended Workshop on Economic Integration through Trade 

Facilitation Among ASEAN + 3 (APT) Countries; 

18


‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

As the designated Philippine representative to the ASEAN Experts 

Group on Competition (AEGC), attended AEGC meetings and 

remained active in various projects such as the drafting of the 

ASEAN Regional Guidelines on Competition Policy and Law and the 

drafting of the Handbook on Competition Policy and Law in ASEAN 

for Business; 

Attended ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meetings, Senior 

Economic Officials’ Meetings and its Related Meetings; 

Submitted Report on the Results of Section 402 Consultation on the 

Request of Myanmar for Tariff Preference on Tobacco and Cigarette 

Products under the ASEAN Integration System of Preference (AISP) 

for 2009 Package; 

Submitted Report on the Results of Section 402 Consultation on 

the Inclusion of Rice under the CEPT-AFTA Scheme; and 

Submitted to NEDA the draft EO to implement the Commitment to 

Reduce the Tariff Rates on the remaining 20% of the Products in 

the Inclusion List to Zero Percent under the CEPT-AFTA. 

B. ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) 

The Chairman of the Commission chaired the CCCA Meetings that forged 

the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), which is an improvement over 

the current Common Effective Preferential Tariff for the ASEAN Free Trade Area 

(CEPT-AFTA) Scheme. It consolidates ASEAN’s existing initiatives, obligations, 

and commitments made with regard to both tariff (trade in goods) and nontariff 

elements (e.g. trade disciplines on Sanitary and Phytosanitary [SPS] 

measures, customs procedures, and trade facilitation), among others, into one 

(1) comprehensive agreement. 

ATIGA aims to establish all necessary measures and commitments to 

enable ASEAN to achieve a free flow of goods in the region towards establishing a 

single market and production base by 2015. The ATIGA was signed in February 

2009. Under this Agreement, the Commission: 

‣¾ Submitted Philippine Schedule under the ASEAN Trade in Goods 

Agreement (ATIGA); and 

19


‣¾ 

Attended Technical Committee Working Group (TCWG) for the 

review of ATIGA Schedules. 

Executive Order 850 implementing the commitment to reduce the tariff 

rates on the remaining 20% of the products in the Inclusion List to zero percent 

under the CEPT-AFTA/ATIGA was signed on December 23, 2009. 

C. ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

Prepared comments on China’s proposed transposition of the ACFTA 

Product Specific Rules (PSR) from HS 2002 to HS 2007; 

Participated in Meetings of the ASEAN-China Trade Negotiating 

Committee and Other Related Working Group Meetings; 

Submitted the Philippines Tariff Reduction Schedule (TRS) and the 

Correlation Table from AHTN 2004 to AHTN 2007; 

Participated in Meetings of the ASEAN-China Trade Negotiating 

Committee (TNC) and Forum on the Implementation of the 

ACFTA; 

Submitted to NEDA the draft EO to implement both the 2009-2012 

Philippine Tariff Reduction Schedule under the Normal Track on 

certain products and the transfer of some tariff lines from Sensitive 

Track (ST) to the Normal Track (NT) Category; 

Actively participated in the line-by-line review of the products 

included in the said draft EO; and 

Executive Order 814 implementing the 2009-2012 Philippine 

Schedule of tariff reduction under the normal track of the ACFTA 

on certain products and the transfer of certain tariff lines from the 

ST to the NT was signed on June 30, 2009 and was published in 

the Manila Times on July 7, 2009. 

D. ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area (AKFTA) 

‣¾ 

Submitted Correlation Table of AKFTA Schedule from AHTN 2005 

to AHTN 2007; 

‣¾ Attended Meetings of the AKFTA Implementing Committee; 

20


‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

Submitted to NEDA the draft EO to implement the Philippines Tariff 

Reduction Schedule under the NT Category; 


included in the said draft EO; 

Executive Order 812 implementing the commitment to reduce the 

tariff rates on 90% of the products in the normal track to zero 

with flexibility under AKFTA was signed on June 15, 2009 and was 

published in the Manila Times on June 23, 2009; 

The Commission conducted public hearing/consultation on products 

in the Sensitive List of Korea for possible waiver, by the Philippines, 

of the reciprocity principle. The report on the results of the said 

hearing/consultation was submitted to TRM; and 

Submitted Preliminary Report on the Results of the Public 

Consultation on the Request for the Transfer of Cochin/ Refined 

Coconut Oil from the Sensitive List to the Normal Track. 

E. ASEAN-Australia/New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

Provided data on the availability and degree of processing per 

AHTN tariff lines based on AHTN 2007 nomenclature (updated up 

to EO 790); 

Provided comments on Australia and New Zealand’s proposed 2009 

Schedule of Commitment and the Two-Way Concordance Table; 

Transposed the Philippine Schedule of Commitment from HS 2002 

to HS 2007; 

Submitted RP’s Proposed Schedule of Commitments and Two-Way 

Concordance Table. Actively participated in the line-by-line review 

of the Philippine Schedule; 

Provided response on the comments made by Australia and New 

Zealand on the Philippines’ Proposed Schedule of Commitments; 

‣¾ Provided confirmation of the Philippines’ Final Schedule of 

Commitments which were submitted to ASEAN Secretariat; 

21


‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

Provided confirmation of the Australia and New Zealand Final 

Schedule of Commitments which were submitted to ASEAN 

Secretariat; 

Submitted to NEDA the draft EO to implement the product offers; 


included in the said draft EO; and 

Executive Order 851 implementing the commitments on trade 

in goods chapter of the agreement on AANZFTA was signed on 

December 23, 2009. 

F. ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

Attended meetings of the Joint Committee of the AJCEPA; 

Submitted to NEDA the draft EO to implement the Philippine 

Commitment on Trade in Goods under AJCEPA; and 

Participated in the line-by-line review and the updating of the 

product nomenclature in the AHTN 2009. 

G. ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

Reviewed the final Philippine Offer List (OL); 

Attended meetings of the ASEAN-India Trade Negotiating Committee 

(AITNC); 

Prepared the draft EO to implement the Philippine commitment on 

Trade in Goods Chapter; and 

Participated in the line-by-line review and the updating of the 

product nomenclature in the AHTN 2009. 

H. ASEAN-European Union Free Trade Area (AEUFTA) 

‣¾ 

Submitted recommendations/comments to the ASEAN-EU Offer 

List; 

‣¾ Submitted updated TRM Formula Ratings; 

22


‣¾ 

‣¾ 

Conducted consultation; and 

Attended AEUFTA Joint Committee Meetings. 

I. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 

The Commission provided comments on the following: 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

‣¾ 

Questions posed by the experts and APEC member economies 

relevant to Individual Action Plan (IAP) of the Philippines on Chapter 

1 (Tariffs) and Chapter 8 (Competition Policy); 

Query of Indonesia on whether the Philippines extended any 

preferential treatment to environmentally friendly products during 

the 2009 IAP Peer Review; 

Questions regarding non-tariff measure of the Philippines IAP 2009; 

and 

Draft Study Report of the Philippines regarding the 2009 IAP Peer 

Review. 

III. Bilateral Trading Arrangements 

Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) 

‣¾ Attended various meetings regarding the amendment of products 

covered by EO 262 for negotiation with Japan. 

23


III. TRADE REMEDY MEASURES 

R.A. 8800 (Safeguard Measure Act) 

The Act provides for general safeguard measures to relieve domestic 

industries suffering from serious injury or threat thereof as a result of increased 

importation. 

Petition for Application for Safeguard Measure Against the Importation of Steel Angle 

Bars 

The Tariff Commission, upon transmittal of the case file and the DTI 

Order imposing a provisional safeguard measure on steel angle bars, 

acquired jurisdiction of the case on February 19, 2009 for the conduct of 

formal investigation to determine the merits of imposing a definitive duty 

on steel angle bars pursuant to Section 9 of the RA 8800 and its IRR. 

Marathon public hearings were held on May 4-6, 2009 to allow public 

participation in the inquiry by providing parties the opportunity to 

present evidence, elaborate on their submissions, and respond to the 

presentations of the other parties. 

In its Formal Investigation Report (confidential version) submitted to the 

DTI Secretary on June 29, 2009, the Commission found the existence 

of a causal link between the increased imports and serious injury to 

the domestic industry and recommended a specific safeguard duty of 

P7,700/MT to be imposed on imports of steel angle bars effective for 

three (3) years counting from January 12, 2009, the date the provisional 

measure took effect. 

Request for the maximum extension of the imposition of safeguard measure against the 

importation of figured glass and clear and tinted float glass 

The Commission received the request from the Department of Trade 

and Industry (DTI) on September 2, 2009. 

Public hearings/consultations were held from October 19-23, 2009. 

Ocular inspection of the plant facilities of the petitioners and verification 

of their accounting records were conducted. 

Various computations were performed on the different economic and 

financial indicators to determine the impact of the increased imports 

to the domestic industry as well as to determine if extension of the 

imposition of the safeguard measures is warranted. 

24


In its Report of Findings and Recommendation submitted to the DTI 

Secretary on November 23, 2009, the Commission concluded that 

the safeguard measure being imposed on figured glass, and clear and 

tinted float glass continues to be necessary to prevent the recurrence 

of serious injury and that there is evidence that the domestic industry is 

making positive adjustments to import competition. The Commission 

recommended that the imposition of safeguard measure on figured 

glass, and clear and tinted float glass be extended for another three 

(3) years. 

Chairman Edgardo B. Abon (top, left) and Presiding Officer Commissioner Edgardo R. 

Maralit (top, right) listen to the exchange of views presented during the public hearing on 

the petition for the maximum extension of the imposition of safeguard measure against 

the importation of float glass and figured glass (October 19, 2009). 

Monitoring of Adjustment Plans on Flat Glass Industry 

Rule 16 (Monitoring of the Domestic Industry) of the Implementing Rules 

and Regulations of R.A. 8800 (Safeguard Measures Act) provides: 

Rule 16.1 

So long as any action taken under Rule 13 remains in effect, 

the Commission shall monitor developments with respect to 

the domestic industry, including the progress and specific 

efforts made by workers and firms in the domestic industry 

to make a positive adjustment to import competition. 

25


Rule 16.1.a If the initial application of action taken under Rule 13 

exceeds three (3) years, the Commission shall submit to 

the Secretary a report on the results of the monitoring, 

not later than the date which is the midpoint of the initial 

period, and of each such extension, during which the action 

is in effect. 

Rule 16.1.b 

The Commission, in the preparation of each monitoring 

report, shall conduct a hearing at which interested parties, 

including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), 

shall be given reasonable opportunity to be present, to 

present evidence, and to be heard. 

The Commission submitted its monitoring report to the DTI Secretary on 

January 30, 2009 with the finding that serious efforts were being undertaken 

by the domestic flat glass industry to comply with its adjustment plan and 

enhance its import competitiveness. 

26


IV. 

SECTION 1313-a - TARIFF COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION 

The ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) Tariff and Customs 

Code of the Philippines (TCCP) classifies articles imported into the Philippines. 

However, when the proper tariff classification of a commodity intended to be 

imported cannot be ascertained, the interested party may file with the Tariff 

Commission a request for a commodity classification ruling pursuant to Section 

1313-a of the Code. 

The applicant is required to submit in triplicate a notarized and duly 

accomplished TC Form 1a (Request for Tariff Classification Ruling). Likewise, 

the applicant is required to submit a sample or samples of the product (if 

available), technical brochures/catalogues indicating its specifications, its 

material or chemical composition and other relevant information. 

The Commission is a permanent representative (together with the 

Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Import Services) to the Valuation and 

Classification Review Committee (VCRC). This committee meets once a week 

to resolve issues involving valuation and tariff classification. 

During the year, the Commission received two hundred twenty-four (224) 

requests for tariff classification, and issued one hundred ninety-nine (199) 

rulings (see Annex A). 

ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) and the World Trade Organization (WCO) 

Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature – 2007 Amendment 

The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (commonly 

known as the HS) is an international nomenclature of goods used by more than 

200 countries as the basis in classification and coding merchandise for purposes 

of customs tariffs collection and for gathering international trade statistics. 

After the implementation of the HS in 1988, major reviews were undertaken 

which resulted in the 1996, 2002 and 2007 versions. The third major revision 

entered into force on January 1, 2007. The Philippines implemented these 

amendments in January 2008 in accordance with the decision of the NEDA 

Board in its meeting on September 18, 2007. 

The ASEAN member countries adopted the Protocol Governing the 

Implementation of the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (the AHTN 

Protocol)to harmonize the tariff nomenclature based on the HS among member 

countries. The AHTN adopted the HS up to the six-digit commodity classification 

codes and used the eight-digit commodity classification code for the ASEAN 

27


requirements. To reflect its required national tariff lines not included in the 

ASEAN nomenclature, the Philippines added an alpha numeric code after the 

8-digit code. 

In view of the amendments made by WCO to the HS which will take effect 

on January 1, 2012, an AHTN Task Force, involving all member countries, was 

created by ASEAN to review the AHTN 2007/1. The first meeting of the AHTN 

Task Force was on October 20-22, 2009 in Indonesia. 

The Philippines, through the Commission, recommended adopting the 

option to allow remaining MFN tariff lines and tariff lines under ASEAN-plus 

FTAs to be considered for incorporation into AHTN 2012/1 at 8-digit level. 

Tariff lines required for bilateral agreements, national tariff needs and national 

non-tariff needs are to be catered at beyond 8-digit level by Member States in 

their national tariff nomenclature. 

Other related activities undertaken by the Commission with regard to the 

HS/AHTN 2007 implementation include the following: 

Publication of the AHTN TCCP (January 2009 edition) incorporating latest 

issued Executive Orders reflecting the MFN (EOs 765 &766) and CEPT 

(EOs 613 & 703) rates of duty; 

Alignment of products under the AFTA-CEPT and the proposed lists under 

the AJFTA, AANZFTA, AIFTA and AEUFTA; 

Preparation of the Concession Manual on products for the Normal Track 

lists of the Philippines under AKFTA (EO812) and ACFTA (EO814); 

Implementation of the commitment to reduce tariff rates on certain 

products included in the agreement between the Philippines and Japan 

(JPEPA); and 

Information dissemination through seminar/workshops in various ports, 

review schools and other agencies. 

Assistance to the Philippine Trade Mission in Geneva 

Reviewed and prepared comments, as requested by the Philippine Trade 

Mission, on the transposition of the Consolidated Tariff Schedules (CTS) 

of the Philippines and various WTO member countries relative to their 

commitments under the WTO; and 

Submitted comments on the 2012 proposed classification of articles 

and amendments to the HS Nomenclature and Explanatory Notes for 

discussion in the HS Committee meetings. 

28


V. SECTION 506 – ASSISTANCE TO THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS 

OF THE PHILIPPINES 

House/Senate Bills/Resolutions and Other 

Committee Concerns 

Comments/Recommendation/Inputs of the 

Commission 

Senate Bill No. 615 (“An Act Amending Certain 

Provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1464, 

Otherwise Known as the Tariff and Customs Code 

of the Philippines, as Amended, and for Other 

Purposes”), introduced by Senator Jinggoy E. 

Estrada. 

Senate Bill No. 905 (“An Act Rationalizing the 

Forfeiture and Disposition of Property Seized by the 

BOC, Amending for the Purpose Certain Sections 

of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, 

as Amended”), introduced by Senator Edgardo J. 

Angara. 

Senate Bill No. 1414 (“An Act Mandating the BOC 

to Exclusively Investigate, Prosecute and Handle 

Customs Cases, Amending Sec. 2401 of PD 1464, 

as amended by Sec. 6 of RA 9135, and for Other 

Purposes”), introduced by Senator Juan Ponce 

Enrile. 

Senate Bill No. 1463 (“An Act Amending Sec. 3513 

of PD 1464, [Tariff and Customs Code of the Phils.], 

and for Other Purposes”), introduced by Senator 

Juan Ponce Enrile. 



Otherwise Known as the Tariff And Customs Code 


Purposes”), introduced by Senator Francis G. 

Escudero. 



Otherwise Known as the Tariff and Customs Code 


Purposes”), introduced by Senator Ramon A. 

Revilla, Jr. 

The Commission supports the amended text of 

Section 1313-(a) of the TCCP, though correction is 

proposed to the title of Section 1313-(a), in that it 

should be read as “Classification of an article for 

trade facilitation”. The main purpose of Section 

1313-(a) of the TCCP is the issuance of an advance 

ruling, consistent with the WTO Agreement on 

Trade Facilitation. 

The proposal to require the Commission to “notify 

the concerned/affected industry” in cases of 

request for issuance of tariff classification ruling is 

inappropriate based on the following reasons: 

a. There is no privity or relationship, much less 

a connection as between the importer and the so 

called “concerned/affected industry,” with respect 

to the importation of goods, thus, the Commission 

sees no reason for the inclusion of this phrase. 

b. It will add another layer of red tape or delay 

to the issuance of tariff classification process, since 

by requiring the Commission to notify the concerned/ 

affected industry, there would result questions, 

queries and various request for information on said 

importation which would just hamper the facilitation 

of the issuance of tariff classification ruling. At 

any rate, enough safeguards and provisions for 

transparency are in place, such as providing copies 

of issued tariff classification rulings to the Bureau of 

Customs and to the Department of Finance, as well 

as uploading issued rulings in the Commission’s 

website. 

c. Issuance of tariff classification rulings is 

a governmental function not subject to private or 

vested interest intrusion. Confidential documents, 

samples and data submitted by an importer to 

the Commission pursuant to a valid request for 

issuance of tariff classification ruling are meant to 

be safeguarded by the Commission. 

On the matter of appeal from any tariff classification 

ruling as may be issued by the Commission under 

Section 1313-(a) of the TCCP, as amended, restatement 

is hereby given in this manner: 

29






Senate Resolution No. 80 (“Resolution directing 

the Proper Senate Committee to conduct an 

inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the prevention of 

endemic car smuggling in free ports by: amending 

free port charters to place them under customs 

jurisdiction with respect to foreign cars; legislating 

standards for transparency in setting floor prices 

at auction of smuggled cars, to prevent smugglers 

from buying the cars; and expressing the sense 

of the Senate that the perennial problem of car 

smuggling cannot be solved by establishing an 

extraneous task force, but by limiting the present 

discretion enjoyed by Customs, Task Force, and 

Free Port officials to pick and chose the smuggling 

cases that they will expose, while turning a blind 

eye to other smuggling cases protected by very 

high government officials.”), introduced by Senator 

Miriam Defensor Santiago. 

Senate Resolution No. 448 (“Resolution 

directing the Senate Committee on Ways and 

Means; and Finance to conduct an investigation 

in aid of legislation, into the reported disparity in 

traded goods, as reported by the Philippine Trade 

Statistics and the International Monetary Fund, as 

well as reports on rampant and unabated smuggling 

of agricultural products, drugs, steel products, 

ceramic tiles and other commodity with the end 

in view of coming up with remedial measures to 

improve Customs Administration and strengthen 

the fiscal position of the government by addressing 

these reported problems.”), introduced by Senator 

Juan Ponce Enrile. 

“Any petitioning party who is aggrieved by, or is not 

satisfied with, the result of any ruling pursuant to this 

Section may file a verified appeal or reconsideration 

to the Tariff Commission within thirty (30) days from 

receipt of such ruling, based on the sole ground of 

new or additional information of the product under 

consideration. An appeal fee as determined by the 

Commission shall likewise be required to be paid by 

the appealing party, without the payment of which 

his or her appeal would be dismissed outright by the 

Tariff Commission.” 

On Section 16 item (7), as appearing in page 16, 

the Commission reiterates its disagreement on the 

existing proposed text and requests the rationale 

behind this provision. Many products cannot 

be accurately described based on the existing 

proposed text specially those falling under “Others”. 

We recommend that the description in this Section 

instead follow the methodology found in item [c], 

Section 1308 (Commercial Invoice) of the TCCP. 

This would squarely address the concern regarding 

articles not specifically mentioned in the TCCP. 

On the issue of undervaluation, misclassification 

and misdeclaration in import entry, the Commission 

recommends that the definition of misclassification 

be based on Section 2503 of the TCCP, as 

implemented in Customs Administrative Guidelines 

(CAO) No. 10-93, dated November 16, 1993. The 

disposal, however, of the goods found liable for 

undervaluation, misclassification or misdeclaration 

must be in accordance with law. 

Senate Bill No. 252 (“An Act Creating the Philippine 

Trade Representative Office, Appropriating Funds 

Thereof, and For Other Purposes”), introduced by 

Senator Mar Roxas. 

Senate Bill No. 1612 (“An Act Creating the Office 

of the Trade Representative, Appropriating Funds 

therefore, and For Other Purposes”), introduced by 

Senator Manuel Lapid. 

The Commission staff should not be included 

in the transfer of those involved in international 

trade negotiations to the PTRO. TC technical 

staff are particularly valuable in international trade 

negotiations because of their knowledge on tariff 

nomenclature and classification, as supported by 

TC’s in-house pool of tariff classification experts. 

It is submitted that even if TC staff are transferred 

to the PTRO, they would still defer to TC in the 

area of tariff classification as TC would remain the 

acknowledged authority on tariff classification, 

hence defeating the purpose of the staff transfer. In 

lieu, it is proposed that TC retain its current role as 

an independent technical support agency. 

30






Likewise, the consolidated bill should provide for 

thorough and meaningful consultations under 

Section 402 of the Tariff and Customs Code with all 

key stakeholders prior to the conduct of multilateral, 

regional, and bilateral trade negotiations in order to 

craft effective negotiating strategies and country 

positions, and after, as a feedback mechanism/ 

post evaluation by government to gauge the 

effectiveness of its negotiating strategies. 

House Bill No. 5342 (“An Act to Prescribe the 

Customs and Tariff Modernization Act of 2008 and 

for Other Purposes”), introduced by Rep. Francisco 

Matugas. 

The following are the comments of the 

Commission: 

1. On the sequencing of provisions, the Commission 

proposes that the provisions on tariffs precede the 

provisions on customs implementation. It would be 

a logical sequencing in the sense that it follows the 

normal procedure of setting the policy on tariffs first, 

followed by implementation of said tariff policy. 

2. It is the understanding of the Commission that 

Section 1711 (Tariff Nomenclature and Rates of 

Import Duty) takes the place of Section 104 (Rates 

of Import Duty) in the present TCCP. If correct, 

the Commission proposes that Section 1711 be 

re-worded to incorporate the language of Section 

104. The Commission’s proposal is as follows 

(bracketed): 

“Sec. 1711. Tariff Nomenclature and Rates of Import 

Duty. 

[a.] The President, [pursuant to the provisions of 

Sections 1708 and 1709 of this Act], shall issue an 

Executive Order prescribing or amending the Tariff 

sections, chapters, headings and subheadings 

and the rate[s] of import duty as originally provided 

under [Section 104 of] Presidential Decree No. 

1464, otherwise known as the Tariff and Customs 

Code of the Philippines, as amended, and based 

on the Harmonized System, the AHTN [ASEAN 

Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN)] and 

other international Agreement [s], and consistent 

with Section [s] 1708 [and 1709] of this Act. 

[b.] [There shall be levied, collected and paid 

upon all imported articles the rate of duty indicated 

in paragraph a except as otherwise specifically 

provided for in this Act, Provided, that the maximum 

rate shall not exceed one hundred percent ad 

valorem.] 

31






House Bill No. 5342 (Cont.) 

[c.] [The rates of duty herein provided or subsequently 

fixed pursuant to Sections 1708 and 1709 of this 

Act shall be subject to periodic investigation by 

the Tariff Commission and may be revised by the 

President upon the recommendation of the National 

Economic And Development Authority.] 

[d.] [The rate of duty herein provided shall apply to 

all products, whether imported directly or indirectly, 

of all foreign countries, which do not discriminate 

against Philippine export products. An additional 

100% across-the-board duty shall be levied on the 

products of any foreign country which discriminates 

against Philippine export products.]” 

3. On Section 408 (Request for Classification and 

Valuation Ruling), the Commission proposes the 

following amendments: 

i. the issuance of tariff classification rulings 

cover both imported and exported items; 

ii. given the Commission’s internationallyrecognized 

expertise in tariff nomenclature and 

commodity classification, a paragraph be added 

providing for the issuance of decisions/rulings by 

the Tariff Commission on Rules of Origin; and 

iii. a paragraph be provided on the right to 

appeal any contested ruling. 

Thus, the Commission suggests that Section 408 

be re-worded as follows (bracketed): 

Sec 408. Requests For Classification, And Valuation 

And Rules Of Origin Rulings 

32







a. As to classification – [On] Any article imported/ 

[exported] or intended to be imported/[exported], 

[an] importer, exporter, [or any interested party] 

may submit to the Tariff Commission a sample 

together with a full description of its component 

materials and uses, and request it in writing [for a 

Tariff Classification Ruling] to indicate the heading 

under which the article is or shall be dutiable, 

and the Tariff Commission shall comply with such 

requests within thirty [30] days from receipt thereof 

if it is satisfied that the application is made in good 

faith, in which case classification of the article in 

question upon the particular importation involved 

shall be made according to the heading indicated 

by the Tariff Commission: Provided, however, that 

such rulings of the Tariff Commission on commodity 

classification shall be binding upon the Bureau of 

Customs, unless the Secretary of Finance shall 

rule otherwise. [Any Tariff Classification Ruling/s 

as may be issued by the Commission shall remain 

valid and effective, unless such Tariff Classification 

Ruling/s are amended by the Commission in cases 

of amendments to the Harmonized System or the 

Asean Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature, or for any 

other reason as the Commission may see fit.] 

b. xxx xxx xxx 

c. [As To Rules Of Origin – Any importer, exporter 

or any interested party may request the Tariff 

Commission in writing for an official ruling that an 

imported or exported product is an originating good 

under the preferential and non-preferential Rules 

Of Origin Agreements to which the Philippines is 

a party, upon submission of a sample, together 

with the catalog, brochure and pertinent technical 

description, the Tariff Commission shall comply with 

such a request within thirty (30) days from receipt 

thereof. The ruling shall be binding upon the Bureau 

Of Customs, unless the Secretary Of Finance 

shall rule otherwise. Any Rules Of Origin ruling/s 

as may be issued by the Commission shall remain 

valid and effective, unless such Rules Of Origin 

ruling/s are amended by the Commission in cases 

of amendments to the Harmonized System Or The 

Asean Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature, or for any 

other reason as the Commission may see fit.] 

33







d. [Right Of Appeal – Any petitioning party who is 

aggrieved by, or is not satisfied with, the result of 

any ruling pursuant to this section may file a verified 

appeal within thirty (30) days from receipt of such 

ruling based on the sole ground of new information. 

An appeal fee as determined by the Commission 

and the Bureau shall likewise be required to be 

paid by the appealing party.]” 

4. The Commission suggests that the following 

paragraph, found in Section 204 (Effective Date of 

Rates of Import Duty) be inserted in Section 118 of 

the CTMA: 

“On and after the day when this Act shall come into 

effect, all articles previously imported, for which no 

entry has been made, and all articles previously 

entered without payment of duty and under bond for 

warehousing, transportation, or any other purpose, 

for which no permit of delivery to the importer or 

his agent has been issued, shall be subject to the 

rates of duty imposed by this Act and to no other 

duty, upon the entry, or withdrawal thereof from 

warehouse, for consumption.” 

5. For purposes of policy flexibility, specifically 

the imposition of export tariff and premium duty 

as may be required by government in the future, 

the Commission proposes that the provisions of 

Section 514 (Export Products Subject to Duty 

and Rates) of the TCCP be added after the first 

paragraph of Section 1712. 

Section 514 of the TCCP states: 

“There shall be levied, assessed and collected an 

export duty on the gross F.O.B. value at the time 

of the shipment based on the prevailing rate of 

exchange, of the following products in accordance 

with the schedule specified in the column Export 

Duty. 

34







In addition to the export duties, herein referred to as 

the basic rate, there shall be levied, assessed and 

collected a premium duty on the difference between 

the current price as established by the Bureau of 

Customs and the base price of the products in 

accordance with the schedule specified under the 

column Premium Duty; Provided, that should the 

current price of any export product be below the 

established base price, then only the basic rate shall 

be applied; Provided, further, that initially, the base 

price upon which the premium duty shall be levied 

is 80% of the F.O.B. value of the exports established 

by the Bureau of Customs for February 1974. The 

National Economic and Development Authority 

shall, from time to time, review and establish such 

base prices taking into account, among others, the 

cost conditions in various industries. 

For purposes of computing the duty, the cost of 

packaging and crating materials shall be deductible 

from the export value, provided such materials 

are domestically manufactured using a substantial 

portion of local raw materials, as determined by the 

Board of Investments.” 

The Commission further proposes that the 

language of Section 515 of the TCCP be replicated 

in the proposed paragraph 2 of Section 1712, to wit 

(suggestions bracketed): 

“The President, upon recommendation of the 

National Economic and Development Authority, 

may subject any of the [above products to higher 

or lower rates of duty provided in this Section, 

include additional products, or exclude or exempt 

any product from this Section.] In the exercise of 

this authority the President shall take into account: 

(1) the policy of encouraging domestic processing; 

(2) the prevailing prices of export products in the 

world market; (3) the advantages obtained by export 

products from international agreements to which 

the Philippines is a signatory; (4) the preferential 

treatment granted to our export products by foreign 

governments; and (5) the need to meet domestic 

consumption requirements.” 

6. Since there are special laws providing for the 

above trade remedy measures, namely, (i) Republic 

Act 8752 – Anti-Dumping Act of 1999; (ii) Republic 

Act 8800 – Safeguard Measures Act of 2000; and 

(iii) Republic Act 8751 – Countervailing Act of 1999, 

these measures need no longer be in the CTMA and 

the Commission proposes their deletion. 

35







7. We propose that the first paragraph of Section 

1701 (Appointment and Compensation of Officials 

and Employees) be re-worded thus (suggestions 

bracketed): 

“All employees of the Commission shall be 

appointed by the Chairman in accordance with the 

Civil Service Law except the private secretaries to 

the Chairman [and member] Commissioners.” 

8. We would like to propose amendment to Section 

1900 (Repealing Clause) as follows: 

All other laws, acts, presidential decrees, executive 

orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof, in 

conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of this 

Act, are hereby repealed. 

House Bill No. 5971 (“An Act Creating the Philippine 

Trade Representative Office, Appropriating Funds 

Therefor and For Other Purposes”), introduced by 

Representatives Tanada III, Lorenzo, Nograles, 

Fabian, Erico, Cua and Briones. 

The Commission staff should not be included 

in the transfer of those involved in international 

trade negotiations to the PTRO. TC technical 

staff are particularly valuable in international trade 

negotiations because of their knowledge on tariff 

nomenclature and classification, as supported by 

TC’s in-house pool of tariff classification experts. 

It is submitted that even if TC staff are transferred 

to the PTRO, they would still defer to TC in the 

area of tariff classification as TC would remain 

the acknowledged authority on tariff classification, 

hence defeating the purpose of the staff transfer. In 

lieu, it is proposed that TC retain its current role as 

an independent technical support agency. 

Likewise, the bill should provide for thorough and 

meaningful consultations under Section 402 of the 

Tariff and Customs Code with all key stakeholders 

prior to the conduct of multilateral, regional, and 

bilateral trade negotiations in order to craft effective 

negotiating strategies and country positions, and 

after, as a feedback mechanism/ post evaluation 

by government to gauge the effectiveness of its 

negotiating strategies. 

House Bill No. 4303 (An Act Reducing the Tariff 

Rates On Corn and Wheat, Amending for the 

Purpose Presidential Decree No. 1464, Otherwise 

Known As the Tariff and Customs Code of 1978, 

As Amended) introduced by Representative Rufus 

B. Rodriguez. 

The following are the Commission’s comments: 

1. The proposed nomenclature under Section 1 of 

the said Bill may be construed that the structure 

of the entire Heading Nos. 10.01 and 10.02 has 

been modified. To reflect the intent of the bill, the 

Commission suggests that Section 1 be modified to 

read as follows: 

36







Section 1. The rates of duty on the articles 

specifically listed herein, as classified under 

Section 104 of the Tariff and Customs Code of 

1978, as amended, shall be subject to the Most- 

Favored-Nation (MFN) rate of import duty. 

Section 2. The nomenclature and the rates of 

import duty on tariff headings not specifically 

provided for or listed but represented by the symbol 

“x x x” under the above tariff schedule shall remain 

in force and effect. 

2. Feed wheat is classified under AHTN Code 

1001.90.99 and corn falls under AHTN Codes 

1005.90.90A (in-quota) and 1005.90.90B (outquota). 

The in-quota and out-quota tariff rates on 

agricultural products (except rice) are implemented 

pursuant to Section 3 (e) of R.A. 8178 signed on 28 

March 1996. 

3. Note that the existing MFN rate on feed wheat 

is 7% (implemented under EO 818 signed on 10 

July 2009) while corn is levied 35% (in-quota) and 

50% (out-quota) (both implemented under EO 574 

signed on 04 November 2006). 

4. Under the CEPT-AFTA Scheme, the 2009 CEPT 

rates on feed wheat is 5% while that on corn is 

30% (in-quota and out-quota). In 2010, CEPT rate 

on corn is 5% (in-quota and out-quota). 

5. Note further that by 2010, the CEPT rate on feed 

wheat is scheduled to go down to zero, subject to 

the issuance of the implementing Executive Order. 

House Bill No. 6578 (An Act to Implement the 

Provisions of Section 1, Article XII of the 1987 

Constitution) introduced by Representative Antonio 

C. Alvarez. 

The following are the Commission’s comments: 

1. It supports the guiding principles of the House 

Bill since the same were meant to put into effect 

the constitutional provision of giving protection 

to Filipino enterprises against unfair foreign 

competition and trade practices. 

2. To give full effect to the said constitutional 

provision, the Commission is supportive of the 

enactment of a comprehensive and national 

competition law, as well as the establishment of an 

independent Fair Trade Commission whose powers 

include that of protecting Filipino enterprises 

against unfair competition. 

37


VI. 

ADVOCACY PROGRAM 

In line with its mandate under Section 1 (1.6) of EO No. 143 entitled 

“Instituting Effective Operational Mechanism and Strategies in the Tariff 

Commission,“ the Commission vigorously pursued its continuing advocacy 

calendar on the latest developments relating to tariffs and trade both in the 

local and international trading fronts. As part of the Commission’s nationwide 

advocacy program, the Commission acceded to requests for briefing/lecture 

from educational institutions and organizations as shown below: 

Latest Developments on Trade-Tariff Policy 

Students of John B. Lacson College, Iloilo 

TC Conference Room 

November 19, 2009 

Market Access Thru Trade Policies and Agreements 

(In cooperation with PHILEXPORT) 

Cebu City 

October 19-21, 2009 

Market Access Thru Trade Policies and Agreements 

(In cooperation with PHILEXPORT) 

Cagayan De Oro 

October 5-7, 2009 

Seminar-Workshop on Classifying Export Products under the ASEAN 

Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) 

International Property Office Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City 

March 5-6, 2009 

38


Isagani D. Garduque, Chief – Administrative Division, gives a briefing on the Commission’s 

organizational chart, mission and vision to students who visited the office for lectures on 

the latest development on trade and tariff policy. (November 19, 2009). 

Students from John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation during a briefing conducted by 

TC technical staff on the latest development on trade and tariff policy (November 19, 

2009). 

39


VII. OTHER ACTIVITIES 

A. Competition Policy 

The Philippines, through the Commission, has been actively involved 

in the forefront of competition policy activities in the local and international 

fora. Among others, the following are the latest developments on competition 

policy: 

I. Senate/House Bills 

In its effort to enact a comprehensive and national competition law, the 

Philippine Senate approved Senate Bill No. 3197 (“The Competition Act of 

2009”) and was subsequently endorsed to the House of Representatives 

for concurrence. A counterpart bill from the House of Representatives 

was approved at the Committee level by the Committee on Trade and 

Industry, but due to lack of time to deliberate on the said bill, the Philippine 

Congress failed to pass the same. 

II. International/Regional Activities – ASEAN Experts Group on 

Competition (AEGC) 

At present, the Commission, as the designated Philippine representative 

to the AEGC, remains active in AEGC’s various projects, such as the 

drafting of the ASEAN Regional Guidelines on Competition Policy and 

Law (including its Reference Document), the drafting of the Handbook on 

Competition Policy and Law in ASEAN for Business, and attendance to 

AEGC High-Level meetings. 

A. Regional Guidelines 

The Regional Guidelines on Competition Policy and Law are based on 

country experiences and international best practices and are meant 

to set out different policy and institutional options that serve as a 

reference guide for ASEAN Member States (AMS) in their collective 

effort to create a fair competition environment. It is not intended to 

be a full or binding statement on competition policy, but rather to help 

serve to increase AMS’ awareness of the importance of competition 

policy, with the aim of stimulating the development of best practices 

and enhancing cooperation between AMS. 

40


The said draft Regional Guidelines has been finalized and is due for 

deliberation and approval by the AEGC Members. Upon its approval, 

the Regional Guidelines will be formally launched in a series of 

socialization events to be held at various countries within the ASEAN. 

The Philippines has been selected to host one of the said socialization 

events this year or early next year, 2011. 

The Regional Guidelines is not intended to be a full or binding statement 

on competition policy, but rather will help serve to increase AMS’ 

awareness of the importance of competition policy, with a view to 

develop the best practices and enhance cooperation between AMS. 

Both the Guidelines and the Handbook are scheduled for adoption by 

AMS in 2010. 

The following are the Commission’s involvement on ASEAN Regional 

Guidelines: 

Attended and represented the Philippines on the 1st ASEAN Experts 

Group on Competition (AEGC) Regional Guidelines Workshop held 

at Bali, Indonesia; and 

Hosted the 2nd Meeting of the Working Group for Developing 

Regional Guidelines on ASEAN Competition Policy and Law held on 

September 28-30, 2009 at the InterContinental Hotel, Manila. 

B. Handbook on Competition Policy and Law in ASEAN for Business 

The Handbook on Competition Policy and Law in ASEAN for Business 

(Regional Handbook) is another AEGC project made specifically at 

providing, in a language easily understandable to non-experts, basic 

notions of substantive and procedural competition law applicable in 

AMS, to the benefit of regional and transnational businesses engaged 

in the ASEAN region. 

The Handbook is not intended to be a comprehensive guide on applicable 

laws and it is meant purely as a documentation tool. The overall aim 

of the Handbook is to inform the business community and investors 

of the current approaches and practices relating to Competition Policy 

and Law applicable in AMS, raising awareness among this target 

group, and to develop a competition culture amongst the business 

community, with the end view of creating a favorable environment for 

41


the introduction and enforcement of Competition Policy and Law, both 

in the individual AMS and at the regional ASEAN level. 

The Handbook is about to be finalized this year and like the Regional 

Guidelines, will also be deliberated upon and approved by the AEGC in 

high level meeting. The venue of the socialization events will likewise 

be held in the various AMS, with the Philippines being selected as host 

to one of these socialization events. 

The following are the Commission’s involvement on ASEAN Regional 

Handbook: 

Attended the Workshop on the Development of ASEAN Handbook 

on Competition Policy and Law held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia on 

14-18 August 2009; 

Facilitated and hosted the successful country visit of Atty. Favio 

Filpo of the FratiniVergano, competition legal expert, regarding the 

latter’s work as an expert in the drafting of the ASEAN Regional 

Handbook on Competition Policy and Law for Business; and 

Provided inputs to the ASEAN Handbook on Competition Policy and 

Law for Business. 

III. Capacity Building Activities on Competition Policy Attended by the 

Commission And Other Related Activities 

Drafted and finalized the Philippine answer to the Chapter on 

Competition Policy as embodied in the Philippine Individual Action Plan 

(IAP) which was submitted to APEC; 

Attended IAP Peer Review of the Philippines by APEC, which covers 

Competition Policy; 

Drafted and finalized the Philippine Strategy Document for the ASEAN- 

European Union Free Trade Agreement; 

Provided inputs/comments to the ASEAN unified approach in the 

treatment of Competition Policy and Law Chapter in the ASEAN-E.U. 

Free Trade Agreement; 

Provided inputs to the ASEAN Secretariat on the Philippine position 

regarding the Chapter on Competition Policy for use by the ASEAN- 

42


Trade Negotiators in preparation for the 7 th Meeting of the Joint 

Committee for the ASEAN-E.U. Free Trade Agreement; 

Drafted and finalized the Commission’s comments to the Executive 

Summary and ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Scorecard; 

Provided the Philippine Country Report (part of the completed study 

“Best Practices in the Introduction and Implementation of Competition 

Policy and Law”) on Competition Policy to the GTZ Mission; 

Attended the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) program 

on Competition Policy entitled “Competition Law and Market Economy 

Growth”; 

Submitted and updated the Japan Fair Trade Commission regarding 

the Philippines Technical Assistance inventory for the year 2008; 

Submitted the official position/inputs of the Commission regarding the 

chapter on competition policy as appearing in the ASEAN-US Trade 

and Investment Framework Arrangement; 

Drafted and finalized the proposed text of the Competition Policy 

Chapter in the draft RP-EU PCA; 

Drafted and finalized the Commission’s letter to the Japan Fair Trade 

Commission regarding the current status of competition laws in the 

Philippines; 

 

 

rd 

Attended the 3 ASEAN Experts Group on Competition (AEGC) Meeting 

on March 25-26, 2009 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 

th 

Attended the 4 ASEAN Experts Group on Competition (AEGC) Capacity 

Building Workshop held in Langkawi, Malaysia on 9-13 August 2009; 

Attended the Fifth APEC Training Course on Competition Policy (17-19 

August 2009) in Chinese Taipei; 

Attended the Group Training Course (Leaders Training) on Competition 

Policy and Law, August 17 to September 19, 2009, JICA, Osaka, 

Japan; 

Attended the ASEAN Workshop entitled “The Economics of Monopoly/ 

Dominance held on 23-27 August 2009 in Da Lat, Vietnam; and 

43


Attended the training on Competition Law & Impact on Foreign Direct 

Investments (FDIs) for ASEAN Countries held in Singapore on 14-18 

September 2009 under the Japan Singapore Partnership Program for 

the 21 st Century (JSPP21); 

The Philippines, with TC at the forefront, hosted the ASEAN Experts Group on 

Competition (AEGC) 2 nd Regional Guidelines Workshop on Competition Policy and Law at 

the Intercontinental Hotel, Makati City on September 29-30, 2009. Flags of the ASEAN 

Member countries represented during the Workshop were raised. 

44


The Philippine delegates during the ASEAN Experts Group on Competition (AEGC) 2 nd 

Regional Guidelines Workshop on Competition Policy and Law composed of Director 

Victorio Mario Dimagiba (extreme right) from DTI-BTRCP, and Ms. Maricor Chua (second 

from left), Mr. Ranulfo Cruz (second from right) and Mr. Cesar Villadores, Jr. (extreme 

left) from TC. Not in photo are Commissioner Marilou P. Mendoza from TC and Assistant 

Secretary Geronimo Sy from DOJ. 

The ASEAN Expert, Atty. Fabio Filpo (top, right), discussing the 2 nd Draft of the Regional 

Guidelines on Competition Policy and Law. Mr. Teo Eng Cheong from Singapore (top, 

center) presides over the two-day Workshop. 

45


Attended the Regional Workshop on Challenges in the Implementation 

 

of Competition Law held in Bangkok, Thailand on November 10-13, 

2009; 

th 

Attended the 5 ASEAN Experts Group on Competition (AEGC) Capacity 

Workshop on Approaches, Methodologies, Techniques and the Related 

Best or Replicable Practices in Investigation and Enforcement on 

November 24-26, 2009 in Nha Trang, Vietnam; and 

Attended the International Conference on Enforcement of Competition 

Law in ASEAN countries and International Practice held on December 

15-17, 2009 in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. 

The participants/delegates from the ASEAN Member Countries during the ASEAN Experts 

Group on Competition (AEGC) 2 nd Regional Guidelines Workshop on Competition Policy 

and Law. Represented were Philippines, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Singapore, 

Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. 

46


B. Project Proposal 

The Commission proposed a project entitled “Helping the Philippines Craft 

a Comprehensive Competition Policy Law – Capacity Building and Advocacy 

Workshop/Seminar.” The proposal was submitted to the APEC Secretariat for 

possible APEC funding. 

C. Assistance to Stakeholders 

The Commission, being a technical agency on tariff and trade-related 

matters, accedes to requests for information/inputs from various stakeholders, 

including other government departments and agencies with whom it shares 

common policy concerns. During the period under review, data/information 

were provided to the following, as requested: 

Government Agencies 

~~ National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 

Topics for NEDA Internal Briefing for 2009; 

Duty on cement under EO 766; 

2009 monthly import data of yellow corn and feed wheat; 

2009 nominal average MFN Tariff by HS Section; 

Reply that the Commission agrees with the analysis derived from the 

frequency distribution on AANZFTA rates but the Commission found 

some discrepancies on the total tariff lines on the AJCEPA rates. Hence, 

the Commission also provided an updated frequency distribution on 

AJCEPA; and 

Annexes to EO AIFTA. 

~~ National Statistics Office (NSO) 

HS 2002 and MFN rates for 2005 and 2008. 

47


~~ Department of Trade and Industry 

Philippine Schedule under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement 

(ATIGA) for the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA); 

CEPT Product List of the Philippines based on the 2007 AHTN 

Nomenclature for transmittal to the ASEAN Secretariat; 

Philippine Tariff Reduction Schedule on AJCEP incorporating EO 262 

lines and TC comments; 

Draft Executive Order to Implement the Commitment to Reduce the 

Tariff Rates on the Remaining 20% of the Products in the Inclusion List 

to 0% under the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Scheme 

for the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA); 

Draft Executive Order to Implement Philippine Commitments to Reduce 

Tariffs on Certain Products Included in the Normal Track under the 

ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (2009-2012); 

Draft Executive Order for the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement 

to Implement the Philippines’ Trade in Goods Commitment (2009- 

2012); 

Revised Terms of Reference (TOR) of the ASEAN Economic Community 

(AEC); 

Offer List of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods (TIG) MFN rates; 

ASEAN-EU Offer List; 

ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Scorecard, particularly in Trade 

in Goods; 

Updates re-IAP of the Philippines on Tariffs (including the tariff 

summary report for 2008), Rules of Origin and Competition Policy; 

Updated TRM formula ratings for ASEAN-EU FTA based on the 2007 

AHTN Code; 

Trade Policy Review (TPR) reported by European Communities (EC) 

and WTO Secretariat; 

48


Trade and trade-related measures undertaken by the Philippines 

relative to the WTO Trade Policy Review Body Report on Trade Policy 

Development; 

Philippines’ response to the comments of Australia (attachment A) 

and New Zealand (attachment B) on the Philippines’ Proposed 2009 

Schedules of Commitment under AANZFTA; and 

Commission’s Formal Investigation Report and Recommendation on the 

Petition of AGC Flat Glass Philippines, Inc. for the maximum extension 

of the safeguard measure against imports of clear and tinted float 

glass and figured glass. 

~~ Board of Investments 

Correlation of EO 262 products from HS 2002 to AHTN 2000 covering 

Philippine commitments under AJCEP; 

Data for NAMA simulation as part of the 23 August 2009 WTO 

consultation; 

Comparative tariff rates (2009 and 2010) for MFN, CEPT, AKFTA, 

ACFTA, AANZFTA, AJCEPA and AIFTA covering motor vehicle lines; 

Tariff Heading of lead-acid batteries; 

Assistance in providing the comparative tariff rate (MFN, CEPT, AKFTA, 

ACFTA, AANZFTA, AIFTA and AJCEPA); and 

Tariff rates of Natural Gas, Refinery off gases, Hydrogen and 

Nitrogen. 

~~ Bureau of International Trade Relations 

Soft copy of the AHTN 2004-2007 correlation table; 

Response to Comments and Questions posed by the experts and 

APEC member economies relevant to Individual Action Plan (IAP) of 

the Phils; 

Draft EO for AANZFTA; 

Comments on the updated ASEAN Trade Facilitation Programme; 

49


Comments on the appeals of the PAFMI, NFEPP, UBRA and NFHFI to 

extend EO 765 by 6 months; 

Inputs on the draft Terms of Reference (TOR) on the mapping of the 

ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA); 

Vietnam’s proposal to exclude seven IUT products; 

Myanmar’s request for AISP on certain unmanufactured tobacco; 

Report on the Chronology of Events/Narration of Facts on Trade in 

Goods (TIG) of ASEAN– Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership 

Agreement (AJCEPA); 

Request of the Taipei Bureau of Foreign Trade re tariff reduction 

schedule on Taiwan’s top 30 exports to the Philippines under the 

ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement; 

Philippines’ comments on Australia and New Zealand’s proposed 2009 

Schedules of Commitment (in HS 2007 Code) which was transposed 

from their original schedule of commitment (in HS 2002 Code); 

Comments on the latest draft of the ASEAN-Canada Trade and 

Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA); 

Comments on the possible areas for cooperation identified by Indonesia 

which may be deemed under the ASEAN-US Trade and Investment 

Framework Agreement (TIFA) particularly on Competition Policy; 

Comments to the query of the Department of Foreign Affairs on ASEAN 

Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA); 

Endorsement of Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council’s letter 

on the proposed amendments to EO 214; 

Updated version of RP’s Offer List under the ASEAN-India FTA; 

Comments on the Feasibility Study Report and the Action Proposals 

for Accelerating the Pan-Beibu Gulf Economic Cooperation (PBGEC); 

Updated version of the Philippine Tariff Reduction Schedule (TRS) 

under the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) for 2009-2012 

as well as the Correlation Table from AHTN 2004 to AHTN 2007 (in 

2009, Tariff and Customs Code); 

50


Comments to the 2009 RP IAP Peer Review on Indonesia’s query 

regarding preferential treatment for environmentally friendly 

products; 

Comments to the transposition verification made by the ASEAN 

Secretariat on sixteen (16) PIS products; 

Comments on the inclusion of the automaticity section in the cover of 

the draft EO on AANZFTA; 

Availability and degree of processing per AHTN tariff line in relation to 

ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement based on AHTN 

2007 nomenclature (Updated up to E.O. 790); 

Reply on non-tariff measures of the Philippine Individual Action Plan 

(IAP) 2009; 

Proposed ASEAN-Canada Trade and Investment Framework 

Arrangement; 

Confirmation that RP’s Transposed Schedule of Tariff Commitments 

reflects the Philippines’ commitment under AANZFTA; 

Reply with the Commission’s finding that the revised schedule of 

commitments of Australia and New Zealand is acceptable with no 

further clarification since both schedules reflect RP’s comments on 

their previous submissions; 

Trade data, updated product availability of Korea’s sensitive products 

under AKFTA and the conduct of the public consultation; 

Availability and degree of processing per AHTN tariff line in relation to 

ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement based on AHTN 

2007 nomenclature (Updated up to E.O. 790); 

Validated transposed PSRs for the Trade in Goods Agreement under 

ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement; 

Photocopies of the reports on the results of consultation that were 

submitted to NEDA on various FTAs (i.e. China, Korea, Japan, India, 

Australia-New Zealand and European Union); 

51


Updated Philippines’ Proposed 2009 Schedules of Commitment under 

AANZFTA incorporating the comments of Australia and New Zealand 

and the two-way concordance tables (HS 2002-AHTN 2007); 

Philippines’ response to the comments of Australia and New Zealand 

on the Philippines’ proposed 2009 Schedules of Commitment under 

AANZFTA; 

Complete Philippine AKFTA schedule with availability and the correlation 

of AKFTA schedule from AHTN 2005 to AHTN 2007; 

Commission’s Report on Wheat and Wheat Flour; 

Request of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines 

(TECO) regarding the Philippine Tariff Schedule of the AIFTA based on 

Taiwan’s Top 30 product export to the Philippines; 

Reply on Thailand’s proposal on the AIFTA Single List for Textiles and 

Textile Products; 

Reply that the Commission agrees with Thailand’s proposal on the 

AIFTA Single Textiles List to delete ex 7019.19 and ex 9612.10, and 

re-insert subheadings 3921.12, 3921.13 and 3921.90; 

Single List on Textile and Textile Products; 

Correlation of Korea’s Sensitive List to Philippine Normal Tract; and 

ASEAN Regional Handbook on Competition Policy and Law for 

Businesses. 

~~ Bureau of Import Services 

Invitation for the forthcoming follow-up workshop on Trade 

Measures; 

Tariff headings used in the Revision Order 24-2008; 

Breakdown of production volume, cost to produce and sell, and increase 

in the raw materials and manufacturing overhead on the Safeguard 

Measure against float glass imports; 

52


Information that import volumes per country of ceramic and wall tiles 

for the 1 st half of 2005 and 2006 is available in the Commission’s 

Formal Investigation (SG No. 01-2007) on the Commission’s website 

and the breakdown per semester on import volumes had been referred 

to NSO; 

Proper tariff classification of a 1987 GMC Van Model G2500; and 

Clarification whether Motor Vehicles in specification as follows can be 

categorized as trucks provided under EO 156. 

~~ Inter-Agency Committee – Tariff and Related Matters 

Section 401 Final Reports on: 

a. Cotton Linters 

b. Hemofil M, Buminate 25%, Gammagard S/D 

c. Mastectomy Bra and Swimwear 

d. Mosquito Coils and Mosquito Coil Powder 

e. Antisera and other Blood Fractions and Modified Immunological 

Products 

f. Raw and Refined Sugar 

g. Linear alkylbenzene sulphonate acid 

h. Mixed alkylbenzenes and alkylnapthalenes 

i. Printed books, journals, music, maps and other printed 

matters; disc, tapes and other recorded media; stuff toys, 

jigsaw or picture puzzles and other toys 

j. Hot-Rolled Steel 

k. Cold-Rolled Steel 

l. Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume 

of 80% or higher; ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, 

of strength 

m. Petroleum oils and oil obtained from minerals, crude 

53


n. Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, 

other than crude; preparations not elsewhere specified or 

included, containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum 

oils or of oils obtained from bituminous minerals, these oils 

being the basic constituents of the preparations, waste oils 

o. Asphalts 

p. Polyamide-6 

q. Milling Wheat 

r. Cement Clinker 

s. Cement 

t. Fuel Ethanol 

Draft Executive Order to extend the effectivity of the zero rate of 

import duties on cement and cement clinker; 

Draft Executive Order to extend the effectivity of the zero rate of duty 

on milling wheat and revert to 7% rate of duty on feed wheat; 

Draft Executive Order and its Annex to implement the commitments 

on Trade in Goods Chapter on ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free 

Trade Area (AANZFTA); 

Final report on the request of the Association of Flour and Wheat Millers 

to extend the zero duty on wheat (HS Code 1001.10 and 1001.90) 

under E.O. 765 for another six months; 

Final report on the review of the temporary lifting of the zero duty on 

cement (AHTN Code 2523.29 90 and 2523.90 00) and cement clinker 

(AHTN Code 2523.10 90) under E.O. 766; 

Proposed GANTT Chart on AANZFTA; and 

Letter re conduct of a Comprehensive Tariff Review for the 2011-2015 

Tariff Structure under Section 401 of the Tariff and Customs Code of 

the Philippines, as amended. 

54


~~ Bureau of Customs 

Tariff Classification of Laminated Cover Paper and Coated Paper 

Imported from Korea and Consigned to OHC Mktg. Int’l Inc; 

Proper classification of “ENVIRONMAT” Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) 

imported from Australia; 

Update on the rates of duty in the 2009 Version of AHTN; 

Classification of Aluminum Steam Plug Core Vent under TH7616Vs 

TH8477 and Distillers Dried Grain with Soluble (DDGS) under TCC 

Ruling No. 04-016 dated 26 January 2004; 

Request for the electronic summary of import entry declarations from 

2006 to 2009 of Figured Glass, Tinted and Clear Float Glass; 

Implementation of Sec. 3 of Revenue Regulation No. 3-2006 (Tax on 

Tobacco and Alcohol Products); 

ERRATA on AHTN 2007; 

Comments on the adopted amending the Nomenclature on the 

International Convention on the HC Description and Coding System; 

Tariff Classification of Body Stock, Tab Stock and End Stock; and 

Tariff Classification of Electrolytic Tinplates in Coils JISG3303. 

~~ Department of Agriculture 

Review Process/Amendments for the Exclusion of duty and free 

importations on fishing nets; 

Exclusion of fishing nets from EO 376; 

Conduct of DA Area Wide Consultations on the Inclusion of Rice into 

the CEPT Scheme of the AFTA; and 

Tariff Duty of Captive Bolt Stunner. 

55


~~ Department of Energy 

Response to the request for two (2) copies of TCCP Vol. 1. 

~~ Department of Environment and Natural Resources 

Philippine Indicative List of Environmental Goods; 

Report on the Seminar-Workshop of the Inter-Agency Committee on 

Toxic and Hazardous Substances; and 

Commodity Classification of Chiller Equipment. 

~~ Department of Foreign Affairs 

Reply to the request of DFA regarding the authenticity of the 

Certification that was issued by the Commission in favor of BTT Perisia 

Berry Compound Mix products. 

~~ Department of Trade and Industry 

HS Code and AKFTA rate of duty of dried mangoes and mango puree 

to be exported in Korea. 

~~ Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas 

Updates on 2009 tariffs; and 

Updates on tariffs review from 2004-2009. 

~~ House of Representatives 

Official position of TC on the proposed HB No. 129 entitled “An Act 

Increasing the Rate of Duty on Imported Tobacco, Cigarette Paper, 

Tipping Paper and Filter Rods Used in Making Cigars and Cigarettes, 

Amending for the Purpose Certain Tariff Headings on the TCCP, as 

amended”; and 

Official position of TC on HB 4303 (An Act Reducing the Tariff Rates 

on Corn and Wheat. 

56


~~ Philippine Mission to WTO 

Copy of Philippine submission on Trade in Goods for Japan and trade 

data on JPEPA; 

Confirmation on ITA 1A List; 

Input/Reply of the Philippines – a Third Party Disputant re: the E.U. and 

its Member States tariff treatment of certain information technology 

products; 

EC-ITA Dispute-Questions by EC and the Panel to 3 rd Parties; 

Letter re Inquiry for the issuance of EO 83 on tomato; 

Remaining unanswered query of USDA on TRQ Quantities for Live 

Poultry, Poultry Meat and Pork; 

List of Nominees for the WTO e-learning who will be taking up the 

Introduction to WTO from 21 September – 30 October 2009; 

Letter regarding the issue of the European Communities and Its Member 

States on the Tariff Treatment of Certain Information Technology 

Products; 

Commission’s continuing reconciliation of data with that of the 

Secretariat for the JPEPA Factual Presentation Report; 

Updates on paragraph 16, 17-20 including Table III.1, paragraph 

24-27 including Table III.3-III.6 and paragraph 131 of the Factual 

Presentation of the JPEPA; 

Validation of the trade tariff profile on electronics/electrical sector as 

proposed by the Japanese; 

Reply regarding the exclusion of UAE from the list of developing 

countries exempted from the imposition of extended safeguard 

measure on ceramic floor and wall tiles; 

Comments on the Proposed Amendments for Anti-Dumping and 

Subsidies and Countervailing Measure included in the Highlights of 

the Informal Meeting of the NGR held from 29 June – 02 July 2009 

and Informal Meeting from 16 – 25 September 2009; 

57


Comments on the Factual Presentation of the JPEPA; 

MFN and bound rates, availability, and degree of processing on 

environmental goods; 

Comments on the Highlights of the Meetings of the Negotiating Group 

on Rules (Anti-Dumping and Horizontal Subsidies); and 

Comments on the bracketed and unbracketed issues on Anti-Dumping 

and Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. 

Foreign Government/Organization 

~~ U.S. Embassy 

2008 and 2009 Philippine Tariffs, on unbound tariffs and products with 

high tariffs. 

~~ APEC Secretariat 

Transposition verification on various Priority Integration Sector 

products under CEPT-AFTA; and 

Feedback on the Revised Agreed Minutes of the Stakeholders Workshop 

on Competition Policy with GTZ Appraisal Mission Team in Jakarta, 

Indonesia (May 12-13, 2009). 

~~ ASEAN Secretariat 

E-Version transmitted at the 8-digit level of the Asean Harmonized 

Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) to the Asean Secretariat; 

Response to the comments made by the ASEAN Secretariat regarding 

MFN Base rates under the ASEAN-India FTA; and 

ASEAN Counter proposal-AANZFTA CO FORM. 

~~ World Trade Organization 

ASEAN Proposed Draft CO for the AANZFTA; 

Response on the verification of the Philippine Tariff Data posted in the 

Consolidated Tariff Schedules Database File Transfer Facility; and 

58


Commission’s updated submissions on the JPEPA factual 

presentation. 

~~ US Aid 

Response to the request for 2009 rates under ACFTA and AKFTA. 

Others 

~~ Kibing Float Glass Export Development 

Philippine market for clear float glass from China. 

~~ Business World 

Availability of data on safeguard action against imports of ceramic 

floor and wall tiles. 

~~ Asia Pacific 

Clarification re start of the annual tariff reduction of items with category 

“B5” under Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement 

(JPEPA). 

~~ University of Santo Tomas 

Data in the conduct of study “The Impact of Trade Liberalization to the 

Competence of Marikina Shoe Industry (1990-present). 

~~ PhilBaking 

Petition to lift the tariff on flour. 

~~ Commonwealth Foods Inc. 

Polycarbonate Moulding Board for Production of Ricoa Chocolate 

Candy. 

~~ New Flavor House, Inc. 

Tariff Classification of Garlic Powder. 

~~ Sytengco Philippines Corp. 

Technical Clarification on the Procession of Talc Powder. 

59


~~ Baxter Healthcare 

Letter requesting the company to submit a written commitment that 

prices of hemofil will be made affordable to end users in the event 

that petition will be favorably granted. 

~~ University of the Philippines 

Response on the request for data on average nominal tariffs by sector 

for the year 1993-2008; and 

Response to the request of Center for the Advancement of Trade 

Integration and Facilitation – University of the Philippines for 2008 

MFN Rates on selected products. 

~~ Yazaki-Torres Manufacturing Inc. 

JPEPA implementation by the Bureau of Customs. 

~~ Vitarich Corporation 

Reply to query on the inclusion of finished feeds in AFTA/ACFTA, raw 

materials and their tariff rates, imposition of tariff on Vietnam fish 

fillet to be competitive, assistance of the government to producers, 

cost comparison of feeds and feed products, occurrence of dumping, 

government subsidies, importation of finished feeds, rules of origin 

and exemptions on aqua feeds with 60% protein from non-ASEAN 

countries. 

~~ NEC Logistics 

Preferential rates under JPEPA. 

~~ Fed Ex Trade Networks 

2009-2012 tariff reduction schedule annexed to EO 814 under the 

ASEAN-China FTA. 

~~ Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. 

(CAMPI) 

Request for information/data in connection with the Commission’s 

study on products that are being imported under EO 262. 

60


~~ Philippine Fishing Net and Twine Manufacturers Association 

Answer to the request to resolve tariff distortion of nylon resin. 

~~ KLT Fruits, Inc. 

Clarification in the issuance of AK Form under the ASEAN-Korea Free 

Trade Area Preferential Tariff. 

~~ General Milling Corporation 

Clarification on the AANZFTA and AIFTA. 

~~ Fortune Tobacco Corporation 

Tariff Classification of Expanded Tobacco (Processed). 

~~ ADC Phils, Inc. 

Clarification on the BOC’s implementation of the 2009 AHTN. 

~~ Philippine Association of Flour Millers, Inc. 

Clarification on the applicable rate of duty on wheat flour (AHTN 

1101.00.10) from China. 

~~ Belmont 

ACFTA rates of duty on various articles. 

~~ Faremo International Inc. 

Tariff Classification on knitted garments. 

~~ Association of Abaca Pulp Manufacturers, Inc. 

Information that abaca is excluded in the AKFTA consultation. 

~~ Confianza Enterprise 

Request to submit a cost estimate reflecting the extent to which 

savings will redound to lower prices of breast forms/ prosthesis and 

mastectomy bras for the estimation of the possible tariff reduction. 

61


~~ TNC Chemicals Philippines, Inc. 

Request to submit a cost estimate reflecting the extent to which 

savings will redound to lower prices of cotton linters for the estimation 

of the possible tariff reduction. 

~~ Avon Products Manufacturing, Inc. 

New rulings affecting Australian import/export. 

~~ Du Pont Far East, Inc. 

CEPT-AFTA rate for 3808.50.11. 

~~ KEPCO SPC Power Corporation 

Classification of Transformers with Transformer Oils. 

~~ Philippine Wood Producers Association 

Rates of Tariff Headings 4407.4410, 4411 and 4412. 

62


Office Address: 

TARIFF COMMISSION DIRECTORY 

5th Floor, Philippine Heart Center, Medical Arts Bldg. East Avenue, Diliman, Q.C. 

Day and Year of Foundation: 

June 20, 1953 

Agency Trunkline Number/s, Fax and e-mail Addresses: 

Website: 

PHC Trunkline — 925-2401 to 50 locals 3501-3509 

Fax No. — 921-7960 

E-mail address — tarcm@mydestiny.net 

info@tariffcommission.gov.ph 

http://www.tariffcommission.gov.ph 

Mother Agency: 

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 

Full Names, Designations of Agency Officials, Direct and Local Lines: 

NAME(S) 

DESIGNATION 

DIRECT 

LINE(S) 

EDGARDO B. ABON Chairman 925-2401 to 50 

433-5899 

921-7960 

EDGARDO R. MARALIT Acting Commissioner 925-2401 to 50 

433-4252 

928-8106 

MARILOU P. MENDOZA Acting Commissioner 925-2401 to 50 

433-5895 

921-8106 

ROMEO U. SALUTA 

ZENAIDA C. LACAR 

ARTEMIO D. BERNARDINO 

Director III 

Finance, Management & 

Administrative Service 

Director III 

Research, Investigation & 

International Trade Analysis Service 

Director II 

Research, Investigation & 

International Trade Analysis Service 

925-2401 to 50 

929-1964 

927-3724 

925-2401 to 50 

433-5898 

926-7476 

LOCAL 

LINE(S) 

3501 

3504 

3505 

3506 

3503 

925-2401 to 50 3507 

VICENTE M. QUEROL 

Chief Administrative Officer 

Financial Management Division, 

FMAS 

925-2401 to 50 

929-1964 

3506 

63


NAME(S) 

ISAGANI D. GARDUQUE 

DANNY JOSE G. MATUTINA 

MA. SOCORRO R. CHUA 

ANGELITA R. FERNANDO 

EDWARD S.A. BESANA 

MA. LOURDES M. SALUTA 

JEAN C. ALBERTO 

DESIGNATION 

Chief Administrative Officer 

Administrative Division, FMAS 

Executive Assistant III, 

Office of the Chairman 

OIC, Planning, Management 

Information Systems Division, 

FMAS 

Officer-In-Charge 

Economics, Trade and Industry 

Studies Division, RIITAS 

Chief Tariff Specialist 

Financial Studies Division, RIITAS 


Commodities Studies Division, 

RIITAS 


International Trade Studies Division, 

RIITAS 

Concurrent Board Secretary IV, 

Supervising Tariff Specialist 

DIRECT 

LINE(S) 

925-2401 to 50 

929-1964 

925-2401 to 50 

929-1905 

925-2401 to 50 

433-5896 

925-2401 to 50 

928-8419 

925-2401 to 50 

926-8731 

925-2401 to 50 

928-8419 

LOCAL 

LINE(S) 

3506 

3506 

3508 

3508/3510 

3508/3510 

3508/3510 

433-5898 3504/3505 

64

Annex “A” 

TARIFF COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION (TCC) RULINGS ISSUED IN 2009 

TCC No. 

Date 

Issued 

ARTICLE 

AHTN 

Hdg. No. 

Preferential 

Rate* 

MFN 

Rate of 

Duty 

09-001 21-Jan-09 

NPG-25 TONER (BLACK) 

CARTRIDGE 

8443.99 20 JPEPA – Free Free 

09-002 08-Apr-09 SAMSUNG YEPP YP-S2 8519.81 90 B Zero 15% 

09-003 08-Apr-09 SAMSUNG YEPP YP-S3 8519.81 90 B Zero 15% 

09-004 08-Apr-09 SAMSUNG YEPP YP-U4 8519.81 90 B Zero 15% 

09-005 30-Jan-09 

SWEETENED SKIM MILK 

POWDER 

0402.10 30 1 % 

09-006 25-Feb-09 ALUMINUM (CUT-WIRE) SCRAP 7602.00 00 1 % 

09-007 CAPTIVE POWERPLANT 3.5 MW W 

09-008 25-Feb-09 CORN GRITS SEMOLINA 1103.13 00 40% 

09-009 25-Feb-09 

SANYO REFRIGERATORS: 

MODEL SR - S182FR, - S202FR, 8418.21 00 5 % 10% 

SR - 8K 

09-010 02-Mar-09 

SANYO REFRIGERATORS: 

MODEL SR-F245 N, SR-F225 N 

8418.10 10 Zero 10% 

09-011 04-Mar-09 

FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER 

REBAR (FIREP) 

3916.90 90 ACFTA-HSL 15% 

09-012 06-Mar-09 

ALUMINIUM RETORT POUCHES 

FOR PACKAGING FOOD 

3923.29 00 ACFTA-SL 15% 

09-013 04-Mar-09 PRIMER (PERCUSSION CAP) 3603.00 90 7 % 

09-014 06-Mar-09 GAS CARTRIDGE ACTUATOR 3602.00 00 10% 

09-015 28-May-09 

PMG (PULIDO MECHANICO 

GALVANICO 

8543.70 90 1 % 

09-016 03-Apr-09 PDQ-H 3901.10 90 15% 

09-017 06-Mar-09 ACESULFAME-K 2934.99 90 ACFTA-1% 1 % 

09-018 LARGE DISPLAY SYSTEM W 

09-019 26-Mar-09 

SANYO WASHING MACHINES: 

ASW-A100HT, ASW-A95HT, ASW- 8450.11 90 ACFTA-SL 10% 

A85HT 

09-020 27-Mar-09 

SANYO LCD MONITOR / 

TELEVISION 

8528.72 90 5 % 15% 

09-021 27-Mar-09 

SANYO BOTTLE/BEVERAGE 

COOLERS 

8418.50 10 Zero 5 % 

09-022 27-Mar-09 

SANYO UPRIGHT BOTTLE 

COOLERS 

8418.50 10 Zero 5 % 

09-023 03-Apr-09 SANYO TELEVISIONS 8528.72 90 5 % 15% 

09-024 27-Mar-09 SANYO CHEST FREEZERS 8418.30 00 ACFTA-5% 5 % 

09-025 27-Mar-09 SANYO UPRIGHT FREEZERS 8418.40 00 Zero 10% 

09-026 27-Mar-09 

SANYO REFRIGERATOR WITH 

FREEZER MODEL SR-615FX 

8418.10 10 10% 

09-027 24-Mar-09 

SANYO REFRIGERATOR WITH 

FREEZER, MODEL SR-700EH3 

8418.10 10 10% 

09-028 24-Mar-09 

SANYO REFRIGERATORS WITH 

FREEZERS 

8418.10 10 Zero 10% 

09-029 24-Mar-09 


FREEZERS 

8418.21 00 5 % 10%

Annex “A” 

TCC No. 

Date 

Issued 

ARTICLE 

AHTN 

Hdg. No. 

Preferential 

Rate* 

MFN 

Rate of 

Duty 

09-030 24-Mar-09 

SANYO WINDOW TYPE AIR 

CONDITIONERS 

8415.10 00A ACFTA-SL 10% 

09-031 27-Mar-09 

SANYO SPLIT TYPE AIR 

CONDITIONERS 

8415.10 00A ACFTA-SL 10% 

09-032 17-Apr-09 

SANYO FLOOR MOUNTED AIR 

CONDITIONERS 

8415.83 90 ACFTA-8% 15% 

09-033 27-Mar-09 FROZEN ORANGE CELL 2008.30 90 - 10% 

09-034 Digital Movie Camera W 

09-035 Industrial Microwave Oven W 

09-036 27-Mar-09 SANYO DIGITAL STILL CAMERAS 8525.80.20 A Free 

09-037 07-Jul-09 

PROSTHETICS APPLIANCES 

FACTORY EQUIPMENT AND 8479.89 40 B 1 % 

ACCESSORIES 

09-038 03-Apr-09 

SANYO TWIN-TUB WASHING 

MACHINES: SW-805XT, SW- 8450.12 00 10% 

705XT 

09-039 18-May-09 SANYO WASHING MACHINES 8450.20 00 1 % 

09-040 24-Apr-09 THERMAL LOTTERY ROLL 4811.90 30 1 % 

09-041 17-Apr-09 BETTING SLIPS 4911.99 90 10% 

09-042 02-Jun-09 

LOOSE MOULDS FOR 

CHOCOLATE CANDY 

8438.90 19 1 % 

MANUFACTURING MACHINE 

09-043 

PLASTIC SIEVE (FOR SPLINT 

SIEVING MACHINE TYPE FIV) 

W 

09-044 24-Apr-09 

AHLSTROM FILTER PAPER, 

GRADE 967 

4805.40 00 1 % 

09-045 11-May-09 LUCTAROM PIGS 1866Z 3302.90 00 1 % 

09-046 29-Apr-09 LUCTAROM 18285-Z 2309.90 20 1 % 

09-047 06-May-09 LUCTAROM POULTRY 37057-Z 3302.90 00 1 % 

09-048 06-May-09 LUCTAROM 2062Z 3302.90 00 1 % 

09-049 16-Apr-09 

VITAZYME BIOSTIMULANT FOR 

AGRICULTURAL USE 

3808.93 00 AFMA – 0 3 % 

09-050 04-May-09 

CODAN HF/SSB RADIO 

TRANSRECEIVERS 

8517.62 59 Free 

09-051 04-May-09 CHEESE POWDER 2106.90 99 B 1 % 

09-052 26-Jun-09 MONO DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE 3824.90 90 C 3 % -ACFTA 3 % 

09-053 22-Jun-09 

SERCON ISOTOPE RATIO MASS 

SPECTROMETER 

9027.80 30 0 % 

09-054 04-Jun-09 SMOKELESS POWDER (LOVEX) 3601.00 00 1 % 

09-055 04-Jun-09 

SMOKELESS POWDER 

(VIHTAVOURI) 

3601.00 00 1 % 

09-056 23-Jun-09 

FAECO G.E.E.S. FK128F T5 IN 

T8W FLUORESCENT TUBE 

9405.10 90 ACFTA-8% 10% 

09-057 29-Jul-09 FLOSPERSE 3290 D 3906.90 99A Zero-ACFTA 3 % 

09-058 06-Aug-09 ICE PEAK DISPENSER 8418.69 90 5 % 

09-059 

Schoelle Aseptic Bags(003, 005, 

010, 025, 200) liters cap, blue cap 

W

TCC No. 

Date 

Issued 

ARTICLE 

AHTN 

Hdg. No. 

Preferential 

Rate* 

Annex “A” 

MFN 

Rate of 

Duty 

09-060 

Schoelle ASCEPTIC HOTFILL 

BAGS 003 LITERS CAP, 005 

LITERS CAP, 010 LITERS CAP, 025 

W 

LITERS CAP 

09-061 09-Jun-09 SODIUM HEXAMETAPHOSPHATE 2835.39 90 1 % 

09-062 09-Jun-09 SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE 2835.31 00 7 % 

09-063 07-Jul-09 DIAPHRAGM SEALS 9026.90 20 0 % 

09-064 31-Jul-09 

PRESSURE SWITCHES OR 

CONTROLLERS 

9032.20 10 1 % 

09-065 24-Jul-09 

ALUMINUM FOIL WRAPPER - 

KNORR BOUILLON CUBE 

7607.20 90B SL 15% 

09-066 Maspi Aircondition R410A Series W 

09-067 24-Jun-09 PC STRANDED WIRE 7312.10 90B 8% 15% 

09-068 17-Jun-09 GARLIC POWDER 0712.90 10 Zero 3 % 

09-069 29-Jul-09 

COMPLETELY KNOCKED DOWN 

NOISE PLANT 

8479.82 10 Zero 1 % 

09-070 29-Jul-09 

LLDPE MP 1888.11 ETHYLENE- 

OCTENE COPOLYMER 

3901.90 90 3 % 3 % 

09-071 29-Jul-09 

LLDPE MP 1888 ETHYLENE- 

OCTENE COPOLYMER 

3901.90 90 3 % 3 % 

09-072 22-Jul-09 

GAS PURIFYING CARTRIDGE, 

FOR SPECTROMETER, PART 8421.39 90 Zero 1 % 

#78060025 

09-073 MOTORCYCLE SPROCKETS W 

09-074 16-Jul-09 

POLYPROPYLENE PP REPRO IN 

PELLET FORM 

3902.10 90B 5 % 15% 

09-075 16-Jul-09 

POLYPROPYLENE PP PRE- 

CONSUMER REGRIND 

3902.10 90 5 % 15% 

09-076 25-Sep-09 NOVAPRO COLLAGEN FIBER 3504.00 00 1 % 

09-077 23-Jul-09 

HP INK CARTRIDGES, MODEL 

21/93 HP TONER CARTRIDGES, 8443.99 20 0 % 

MODEL CB541 A/Q6000A 

09-078 09-Sep-09 

HIGH BARRIER POLYLINER 

(CRYOVAC) 

3923.21 90B 15% 

09-079 06-Aug-09 DXN MORINZHI JUICE 2106.90 70 Zero 7 % 

09-080 29-Jul-09 DXN CORDYPINE 2106.90 99D Zero 7 % 

09-081 31-Jul-09 POTEN-ZHI CAPSULE 2106.90 70 Zero 7 % 

09-082 24-Aug-09 GANO MASSAGE OIL 3304.99 90 Zero 7 % 

09-083 24-Jul-09 DXN CORDYCEPS 2106.90 70 Zero 7 % 

09-084 30-Jul-09 LION’S MANE HERBAL CANDY 2106.90 70 Zero 7 % 

09-085 30-Jul-09 ROSELLE HERBAL CANDY 2106.90 70 Zero 7 % 

09-086 27-Jul-09 SPICA TEA 2106.90 99D Zero 7 % 

09-087 30-Jul-09 DXN ROSELLE JUICE 2106.90 70 Zero 7 % 

09-088 SPIRULINA CEREAL W 

09-089 27-Aug-09 ZHI MINT LOZENGES 2106.90 70 Zero 7 % 

09-090 24-Aug-09 ANDRO-G 2106.90 70 Zero 7 % 

09-091 31-Jul-09 DXN MORINZYME 2106.90 70 Zero 7 %

Annex “A” 

TCC No. 

Date 

Issued 

ARTICLE 

AHTN 

Hdg. No. 

Preferential 

Rate* 

MFN 

Rate of 

Duty 

09-092 23-Jul-09 DXN BEE POLLEN 2106.90 70 Zero 7 % 

09-093 24-Aug-09 

MAIZE WHOLE GRAIN CORN 

1005.90 90 A 

In-Quota 35 

(CHAMPAGNE MAIS) 

1005.90.90 B 

Out-Quota 50 

09-094 16-Jul-09 ZINC SULPHATE 2833.29 10B 1 % 1 % 

09-095 27-Jul-09 CRODAZOSOFT DBQ 3402.90 94 3 % 5 % 

09-096 27-Jul-09 DP CLN WAVE REFILLS 30CT 3304.99 90 7 % 

09-097 14-Sep-09 

HIGH IMPACT POLYSTYRENE 

(IDEMITSU) 

3903.19 00 5% 15% 

09-098 27-Aug-08 YONDELIS (TRABECTEDIN) 3004.90 10 0 

09-099 30-Jul-09 


FREEZERS 

8418.10 10 Zero 10% 

09-100 06-Aug-09 COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMP 9405.10 90 5 % 10% 

09-101 24-Aug-09 CENASPHERES (CP300-B) 2842.10 00 ACFTA - 0 3% 

09-102 24-Aug-09 ARLA WHIPPING CREAM 0402.99 00 5 % 

09-103 20-Aug-09 

PORK RIND PELLETS FOR 

SNACKS PRODUCTION 

0210.99 20 7 % 

09-104 09-Sep-09 

COUNTRY GOODNESS SKIM 

MILK 1L 

0401.10 00 3 % 

09-105 09-Sep-09 

COUNTRY GOODNESS LOW FAT 

MILK 

0401.20 00 3 % 

09-106 09-Sep-09 

COUNTRY GOODNESS CALCI 

EXTRA 1L 

0401.20 00 3 % 

09-107 09-Sep-09 

COUNTRY GOODNESS FRESH 

PURE MILK 1L 

0401.20 00 3 % 

09-108 25-Aug-09 

POLYMETHANE POLYPHENYL 

ISOCYANATE 

3909.30 90 ACFTA - 0 7% 

09-109 25-Sep-09 MIRALENE 3006.10 90 1 % 

09-110 15-Sep-09 PREMICRON 3006.10 90 1% 

09-111 18-Sep-09 CATGUT PLAIN 3006.10 90 0% 1% 

09-112 16-Sep-09 PREMILENE 3006.10 90 1 % 

09-113 16-Sep-09 CATGUT CHROM 3006.10 90 0 % 1 % 

09-114 16-Sep-09 DAFILON 3006.10 90 0 % 1 % 

09-115 CELSITE W 

09-116 29-Oct-09 UNIGRAFT 9021.39 00 1 % 

09-117 29-Oct-09 VASCUGRAFT PTFE 9021.39.00 1 % 

09-118 17-Sep-09 SAFIL 3006.10 90 1 % 

09-119 18-Sep-09 SILKAM 3006.10.90 0 1% 

09-120 25-Sep-09 BONE WAX (KNOCHENWACHS) 3006.10 90 1 % 

09-121 18-Sep-09 TENDOFIL 300610 90 1 % 

09-122 18-Sep-09 MONOPLUS 3006.10 90 1 % 

09-123 18-Sep-09 MONOSYN 3006.10 90 1 % 

09-124 17-Sep-09 LYOSTYPT 3006.10 90 1 % 

09-125 11-Nov-09 PREMILENE MESH 9021.90 00 3 % 

09-126 15-Sep-09 PLANTACARE 2000 UP 3402.13 00 3%

TCC No. 

Date 

Issued 

ARTICLE 

AHTN 

Hdg. No. 

Preferential 

Rate* 

Annex “A” 

MFN 

Rate of 

Duty 

09-127 02-Dec-09 AMMONIUM CHLORIDE IN BAGS 2827.10 00 0 % 1 % 

09-128 JASMINE ANTISTATIC CLOGS W 

09-129 18-Sep-09 COPPER WIRE ROD 7408.11 00 AKFTA - 0 1 

09-130 14-Sep-09 SWITCH ASSY WIPER 8536.50 99A 

09-131 14-Sep-09 

SWITCH ASSY, TURN SIGNAL 

(T/S) AND DIMMER 

8536.50 99A 

JPEPA – 15 

CEPT – 0 

JPEPA – 15 

CEPT – 0 

09-132 14-Sep-09 KEY SET 8301.20 00 JPEPA - 0 1 

09-133 14-Sep-09 SWITCH ASSY, HAZARD 8536.50 99A 

JPEPA – 15 

CEPT - 0 

15 

09-134 14-Sep-09 

SWITCH SET, WINDOW 

REGULATOR MASTER 

8536.50 99A 

JPEPA – 15 

CEPT - 0 

09-135 09-Oct-09 POWDERED COOKED CHICKEN 1602.32 90B 40% 

09-136 18-Sep-09 CLEXA (ENOXAPARIN SODIUM) 3004.90 10 0% 

09-137 

HOWARD AUTOMATIC VOLTAGE 

REGULATOR 

W 

09-138 TINOGARD TT W 

09-139 PE RASCHEL MESH BAG W 

09-140 03-Nov-09 

ORANGE ACEROLA LEMON 

COMPOUND 

2106.90 52 10% 

09-141 03-Nov-09 APPLE ACEROLA COMPOUND 2106.90 52 10% 

09-142 29-Oct-09 NOVAPOL (LLDPE GI-2024-A) 3901.90 90 3 % 

09-143 29-Oct-09 NEURONOX 3004.90 99 AKFTA – 0 5 % 

09-144 17-Nov-09 

PS536GS DIRECT GAS-FIRED 

CONVEYOR OVEN 

8419.81 20 1 % 

09-145 17-Nov-09 

PS536 DIRECT GAS-FIRED 

CONVEYOR OVEN 

8419.81 20 1 % 

09-146 29 Oct. 09 DELI MUTISSERIE 8419.81.10 1% 

09-147 03-Dec-09 

PS360E ELECTRICALLY-HEATED 

CONVEYOR OVEN 

8419.81 10 1 % 

09-148 29-Oct-09 VENTURECLAD 1555CW 3919.90 90 15% 

09-149 VENTURECLAD 1577CW; 1578CW W 

09-150 VENTURECLAD PLUS 1578CW W 

09-151 29-Oct-09 VENTUREGUARD -H 1574CW 

3919.10 90; 

3919.90 90 

09-153 29-Oct.-09 

TURBOCHEF-THE TORNADO 

OVEN 

8514.30 90A 1% 

09-154 03-Nov-09 HONEY GRAHAM 506739 T 3302.10 90 1 % 

09-155 12-Nov-09 

NUTRI C SALO SALO AMERICAN 

ORANGE FLAVOR 

2106.90 52 3% 10% 

09-156 12-Nov-09 

HINO FM1JRUA (6X4, LEFT-HAND 

DRIVE) TEN-WHEELER TRUCK 

8704.23 49 JPEPA-15% MFN – 20% 

09-157 03-Nov-09 TURBOCHEF - THE 13 OVEN 8514.30 90A 1 % 

09-158 04-Jan-10 

METALASTIK TYPE CHEVRON 

SPRING 

8607.91 00 3 % 

09-159 03-Dec-09 

INVEGA SUSTENNA 

(PALIPERIDONE PALMITATE) 

3004.90 99 5 % 

15 

15 

15 

15% 

5%

Annex “A” 

TCC No. 

Date 

Issued 

ARTICLE 

AHTN 

Hdg. No. 

Preferential 

Rate* 

MFN 

Rate of 

Duty 

09-160 22-Dec-09 

ARMADILLO STAINLESS STEEL 

COPPER CLOSURE 

8546.90 00 1 % 

09-161 14-Dec-09 

PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS 

FIBREGUARD CLOSURE, 

MODELS: FIBREGUARD 500 AND 

8546.90 00 ACFTA – 0 1 % 

FIBREGUARD 650 

09-162 08-Jan-10 

PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS: 

COYOTE ® IN-LINE RUNT 

8546.90 00 1% 

CLOSURE 

09-163 08-Jan-10 

BARGOA CEANS NON-SEALED 

SPLICE CLOSURE 

8546.90 00 1% 

09-164 08-Jan-10 

BARGOA CEASH SEALED 

SPLICE CLOSURE 

8546.90 00 1% 

09-165 22-Dec-09 

MAEC IN-LINE SPLICE 

CONNECTOR 

8536.90 19 Free 

09-166 08-Jan-10 

NETWORK CABLE: RN-OPTICAL 

TERMINATION BOX 

8536.70 00 C 15% 

09-167 12-Nov-09 

XTERA ASCENFLOW WAN 

TRAFFIC MANAGER 

8517.62 21 Free 

09-168 17-Nov-09 

XTERA ASCENLINK LOAD 

BALANCER 

8517.62 21 Free 

09-169 22-Dec-09 

EMERSON 10-PAIR IDC 

TERMINAL BLOCK (URLS10) 

8536.90 19 Free 

09-170 08-Jan-10 

NENSHI 10-PAIR 

DISCONNECTION MODULE 

8536.90 19 Free 

09-171 17-Nov-09 

TEAR DROP PATTERN 

CHEQUERED STEEL SHEETS 

7208.40 00 ACFTA – 3% 7 % 

09-172 24-Nov-09 DXN SPIRULINA TABLETS 2106.90 70 0 7 % 

09-173 24-Nov-09 DXN GANOZHI TOOTHPASTE 3306.10 90 0 7 % 

09-174 03-Dec-09 

GANOZHI MOISTURIZING MICRO 

EMULSION 

3304.99 90 Zero 7 % 

09-175 03-Dec-09 

DXN ALOE V FACIAL CLEANSING 

FOAM 

3401.30 00 5 % 10% 

09-176 14-Dec-09 GANOZHI SOAP 3401.11 20 5 % 10% 

09-177 03-Dec-09 GANOZHI BODY FOAM 3401.30 00 5 % 10% 

09-178 17-Nov-09 DXN GANOCELIUM 2106.90 70 0 % 7 % 

09-179 24-Nov-09 TALCUM POWDER 3304.91 00 0 7 % 

09-180 17 Nov-09 DXN REISHI GANO 2106.90 70 0 7% 

09-181 04-Dec-09 GANOZHI SHAMPOO 3305.10 00 0 10% 

09-182 14-Dec-09 GANOZHI LIQUID CLEANSER 3401.30 00 5 % 10% 

09-183 24-Nov-09 

DXN ALOE V HAND AND BODY 

LOTION 

3304.99 10 0 7 % 

09-184 24-Nov-09 GANOZHI TONER 3304.99 90 0 7 % 

09-185 07-Dec-09 

DXN 2 IN 1 LINGZHI COFFEE 

PLUS 

2101.12 00A 

2101.12 00B 

5 % 

5% 

30%-In 

Quota 

45%-Out 

Quota

TCC No. 

Date 

Issued 

ARTICLE 

09-186 24-Nov-09 LINGZHI COFFEE 3 IN 1 

AHTN 

Hdg. No. 

2101.12 00A 

2101.12 00B 

Preferential 

Rate* 

5 % 

5% 

Annex “A” 

MFN 

Rate of 

Duty 

30%-In 

Quota 

45%-Out 

Quota 

09-187 17-Nov-09 GANOZHI LIPSTICK 3304.10 00 0 7 % 

09-188 03-Dec-09 LINGZHI BLACK COFFEE 

2101.11 10A 

2101.11 10B 

5 % 

5% 

30%-In 

Quota 

45%-Out 

Quota 

09-189 

METALLOCENE ETHYLENE- 

HEXENE COPOLYMER (Enable 

W 

27-05CH) 

09-190 

METALLOCENE ETHYLENE- 

HEXENE COPOLYMER (Enable 

W 

27-03CH) 

09-191 03-Dec-09 

LAMINATION STEEL PLATE FOR 

206MVA GENERATOR 

8503.00 19 1 % 

09-192 14-Dec-09 LUVIQUAT MONO CP 2923.90 00 1 % 

09-193 

TRICYCLE POWERED BY 

ELECTRIC MOTOR, MODEL: 8703.90 90 D 30% 

TERRAIN 

09-194 24-Nov-09 

BICYCLES POWERED BY 

ELECTRIC MOTOR 

8711.90 90C 30% 

09-195 

CookTek Magnawave Systems, 

Models: MC250F, MC-2502S, 

MC-3002F, MC-3002S, MC-3502F, 

W 

MC3502S 

09-196 03-Dec-09 

MIDDLEBY MARSHALL DIRECT 

GAS-FIRED CONVEYOR OVEN, 8419.81 20 1 % 

MODELS: PS520G AND PS540 

09-197 24-Nov-09 

TURBOCHEF- I5 RAPID COOK 

OVEN 

8514.30 90A 1 % 

09-198 03-Dec-09 

MIDDLEBY MARSHALL ELECTRIC 

COUNTERTOP CONVEYOR 8419.81 10 1 % 

OVEN, MODEL PS520E 

09-199 02-Dec-09 EVOLUE-H SP3505 3901.90 90 2 % 3 % 

09-200 04-Dec-09 

NACHO CHIP MERCHANDISER/ 

WARMER, MODELS: 12 NCPW 8419.81 10 1 % 

AND 15 NCPW 

09-201 

Star Nacho Cheese Warmer, 

Models: 3WLA-P, 3WLA-HS, 

3WLA-W, 3WLA-4H, 7WL, 11WLA- 

W 

P, 11WLA-HS and 11WLA 

09-202 

DEFIBRILLATOR, MODELS: TEC- 

5521K and TEC-5531K 

9018.19 00 JPEPA – Zero 1%

Annex “A” 

TCC No. 

Date 

Issued 

ARTICLE 

AHTN 

Hdg. No. 

Preferential 

Rate* 

MFN 

Rate of 

Duty 

09-203 18-Jan-10 

Life Scope BEDSIDE MONITORS, 

MODELS: BSM-9101K, BSM- 

6301K, BSM-6501K, BSM-6701K, 

BSM-2301K, BSM-2303K, BSM- 

9018.19 00 JPEPA – Zero 1% 

2351K, BSM-2353K, BSM-5105K, 

BSM-5135K 

09-204 

CENTRAL MONITOR, MODELS: 

CNS-9701K and CNS-9601K 

9018.19.00 JPEPA – Zero 1% 

09-205 14-Dec-09 

Life Scope BEDSIDE MONITOR, 

MODEL: BSM-4000 SERIES 

9018.19 00 JPEPA – Zero 1 % 

09-206 

TELEMETRY SYSTEMS, MODELS: 

WEP-420K AND WEP 4208K 

W 

09-207 

LIFESCOPE N BEDSIDE 

MONITOR, MODEL: OPV-1500K 

9018.19 00 JPEPA – Zero 1% 

09-208 14-Dec-09 AQUA TISSUE/MAGIC TOWEL 6307.90 90 15% 

09-209 08-Jan-10 

ELECTRIC FAN MOTOR (TF3- 

235M) 

8501.40 10 0 1% 

09-210 Pervade 3402.90 11 5% 

09-211 Retain Pro 3402.90 11 5% 

09-212 

Etna Strong Motion Recording 

System 

9015.80 90 1% 

09-213 Mycept (Mycophenolate Mofetil) 3004.90 99 5% 

09-214 Tagraf (Tacrolimus) 3004.90 99 5% 

09-215 12-Jan-10 DXN NONIZYME 2206.00 90 CEPT – Zero 5% 

09-216 14-Jan-10 ZHI CA PLUS 1704.90 90 CEPT – Zero 15% 

09-217 08-Jan-10 DXN Aloe V Hydrating Toner 3304.99 90 CEPT – Zero 7% 

09-218 DXN Aloe V Aqua Gel 3304.99 90 CEPT – Zero 7% 

09-219 08-Jan-10 DXN Aloe V Cleansing Gel 3401.30 00 CEPT – Zero 10% 

09-220 07-Jan-10 DXN Aloe V Nutricare Cream 3304.99 10 CEPT – Zero 7% 

09-221 08-Jan-10 Ractopamine Hydrochloride 2921.49 00 CEPT – Zero 1% 

09-222 08-Jan-10 El-Pro P443J 3902.30 90 CEPT – Zero 15% 

09-223 08-Jan-10 

Mimiflo PP Feeding Bottle 

(Polypropylene) 

3924.90 90 ACFTA – 5% 15% 

09-224 02-Feb-10 

MIMIFLO STANDARD FEEDING 

BOTTLE BOROSILICATE GLASS 

7013.42 00 ACFTA – 0% 5% 

* The preferential rate is CEPT rate unless otherwise indicated. 

AHTN 

MFN 

ACFTA 

AKFTA 

CEPT 

P 

W 

– ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature 

– Most Favored Nation 

– ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement 

– ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement 

– Common Effective Preferential Agreement 

– Processing 

– Withheld pending submission of required additional information

FOREIGN TRAININGS/SEMINARS ATTENDED 

Annex “B” 

Date Trainings/Seminars Venue 

December 15-17 

International Conference on Enforcement of 

Competition Law in ASEAN countries and 

International Practice 

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 

December 3-4 1st AEGC High-Level Policy Dialogue Medan, Indonesia 

November 28- December 3 7th WTO Ministerial Conference Geneva, Switzerland 

November 24-26 



October 3-18 

September 14-18 

5th ASEAN Experts Group on Competition 

(AEGC) Capacity Workshop on Approaches, 

Methodologies, Techniques and the Related 

Best or Replicable Practices in Investigation and 

Enforcement 

Workshop on Trade Facilitation Among ASEAN 

Plus China, Japan and Korea 

Regional Workshop on Challenges in the 

Implementation of Competition Law 

Study Visit for High-Level Officials of ASEAN 

Competition Regulatory Bodies 

Competition Law &Impact on Foreign Direct 

Investments (FDIs) for ASEAN Countries 

Nha Trang, Vietnam 

Changchun Jilin Province, 

China 

Bangkok, Thailand 

Paris, France 

Brussels, Belgium 

Bonn, Germany 

London, United Kingdom 

Singapore 

August 23-27 The Economics of Monopoly/Dominance Da Lat, Vietnam 

August 23-25 Regional Workshop on Competition Policy Dalat, Vietnam 

August 17-September 19 

August 18-19 

August 17-19 

Group Training Course (Leaders Training) on 

Competition Policy and Law 

Workshop on the Development of ASEAN 

Handbook on Competition Policy and Law 

Fifth APEC Training Course on Competition 

Policy 

Osaka, Japan 

Yogyakarta, Indonesia 

Chinese, Taipei 

August 11-17 41st ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (AEM) Bangkok, Thailand 

August 9-13 

July 30-31 

4th ASEAN Experts Groups on Competition 

(AEGC) Meeting and 4th AEGC Training 

Workshop on Approaches, Methodologies and 

Techniques of Competition Law 

1st ASEAN Experts Group on Competition 

(AEGC) Regional Guidelines Workshop 

Langkawi, Malaysia 

Bali, Indonesia 

July 14-16 RP IAP Peer Review Session Singapore

Annex “B” 


July 6-9 

June 28-July 1 

March 27 

March 25-26 

Trans Regional EU-ASEAN Trade Initiative 

(TREAT) Workshop on Competition Policy 

5th East Asia Conference on Competition Law 

and Policy and 5th Top Level Officials’ Meeting 

on Competition Policy 

Kick-Off Meeting with German Technical 

Cooperation (GTZ) Team on Appraisal Mission 

3rd ASEAN Experts Group on Competition 

(AEGC) Meeting 

Singapore 

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

March 3-6 7th ASEAN-EU Joint Committee Meeting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

February 2-8 

2nd Senior Economic Official’s Meeting for 

the 40th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting 

(SEOM 2/40) and its related meetings 

Bangkok, Thailand

LOCAL TRAININGS/SEMINARS ATTENDED 

Annex “C” 



October 22 

October 1-30 

October 9 

Introduction to Trade Policy and the WTO 

Seminar 

Chief Information Officers Forum (CIOF) 4th 

General Assembly 

In House Seminar/Workshop on Database 

Management Using MS Access 

Meeting with the MIS Staff from the National 

Computer Center re Bar Code 

PTTC, Pasay City 

Hotel Intercon, Makati City 

TC Conference Room 

National Computer Center, U.P. 

Diliman, Quezon City 

October 8 ACER Technology Product Update Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ortigas 

September 30 

September 28-30 

September 18 

Annual Forum on ODS Alternative and 

Consultation on Montreal Protocol Issues (EMB- 

POD) 

2nd Meeting of the Working Group for 

Developing Regional Guidelines on ASEAN 

Competition Policy and Law (CPL) in the 

Philippines 

Meeting with National Computer Center (NCC)/ 

CICT re Inquiry/Assistance on Creating Bar 

Code 

Sulo Hotel, Quezon City 

Intercontinental Hotel, Makati City 

National Computer Center, UP 

Diliman, Quezon City 

September 11 Seminar on Linux, Open Source RCBC Plaza, Ayala, Makati City 

August 25 

August 21 

August 17 and September 

24 

August 17 

August 14 and 28 

August 12-14 

July 20 

Chief Information Officers Forum (CIOF) 3rd 

General Assembly Meeting 

Meeting with BOC on National Single Windows 

(EO 482) 

TWG Meeting on Substitute Bill on Anti- 

Smuggling 

Meeting with Bureau of Customs (BOC) on 

Interconnection between BOC and TC 

Training Program on Benefits and Compensation 

Administration, and Conflict Management and 

Grievance Resolution 

National Forum to Strengthen Policies and 

Opportunities for Forest Investment in the 

Philippines 

Seminar/Dialogue on the Implementation of COA 

Circular No. 2009-002 on Reinstituting Selective 

Pre-Audit on Government Transactions 

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ortigas 

Center, Pasig City 

Bureau of Customs, Manila 

Senate Committee on Ways and 

Means, Senate of the Philippines, 

Pasay City 

Bureau of Customs, Manila 

UP College of Public Administration 

and Governance 

AIM, Makati City 

Commission on Audit, 

Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City

Annex “C” 


July 10, 2009 

GS3, Your Business, Our Tools, Our Solutions 

Seminar 

Greenbelt 5, Makati City 

May 28-29 National Workshop on Trade and Environment DENR, Visayas Ave., Quezon City 

May 13-22 

Training on Database Management Using MS 

Access 

Statistical Research and Training 

Center 

April 15-17 Training on Technical Report Writing TC Conference Room 

March 31-April 2 

54th Meeting of the Coordinating Committee 

on the Implementation of the CEPT Scheme for 

AFTA (CCCA) 

Richmonde Hotel, Ortigas Center, 

Pasig City 

March 28-30 30th ASEAN ROO-Task Force Meeting Richmonde Hotel, Ortigas Center, 

Pasig City 

March 23 2009 National Worker’s Congress Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City 

March 4-6, 9-10 

February 23-24 and 26-27 

February 9-13 

Canadian International Development Agency 

(CIDA) Technical Assistance Program on Trade 

Remedies Phase 3 

Seminar on the Analysis of Philippine Bioethanol 

Policy with Excel Spreadsheet/Add in Tool 

(SEEx) 

WTO Trade Facilitation National Assessment of 

Needs and Priorities for Philippines 

Makati Palace Hotel, Makati City 

Dusit Hotel, Makati City 

Bureau of Customs, Port Area, 

Manila

Philippine Tariff Commission

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