COVID-19 response imports now tax free

MANILA, Philippines — Imported medical supplies and gadgets to be used or donated for online classes will be free from taxes and duties until Dec. 19 as mandated under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

In a statement on Tuesday, the DOF said Secretary Carlos Dominguez III had signed Customs Administrative Order No. 12-2020, which contained guidelines on the tax-free and duty-free entry of imported goods for COVID-19 response.

Specifically, the Bayanihan 2 covered medical supplies as well as personal computers, laptops, tablets and other gadgets to be used in or donated to public school students, state universities and colleges, and vocational institutions of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The effectivity of the tax exemptions on eligible imports will be retroactive to June 25, 2020.

On top of the tax perks, the release of these imported shipments from ports will be fast-tracked similar to the process during the implementation of the Bayanihan 1 Act, which allowed the issuance of a provisional goods declaration.