On April 28, 2016, the EFTA states Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Philippines. However, when the agreement entered into force on June 1, 2018, the Philippine customs authorities had not yet completed all internal procedures-This meant that, to begin with, they could not apply the customs obligations under the agreement.
Refunds possible within one year
The Philippines fully implemented its customs obligations on October 24, 2018. EFTA exporters can now apply to the Philippine customs authorities for a refund of the customs duties they unduly paid between June 1, 2018 and October 24, 2018. The legal basis for this is the Customs Administration Order 4-2019.
Refunds must be applied for within one year of the date of payment of the customs duty at the District Collector's office where the customs duty was paid. Approved refund claims are paid in the form of tax credits.
For more information on the refund process, please contact the following body directly:
Mr. Emilio L. Jacinto
Tax Credit Committee Secretariat Head
Chief, Revenue Accounting Division
Bureau of Customs
Contact No.: +63 527-1570
Email: Emilio.Jacinto@customs.gov.ph
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