RDC endorses exporters' bid for exemption from new law

The Regional Development Council recently endorsed the request of PhilExport-Cebu to the Senate for an exemption from the requirements of Republic Act 9280, or the Customs Brokers Act.

The enactment of RA 9280 was originally scheduled yesterday but has been moved to July 21. It provides that only Customs brokers are allowed to prepare, process, file and sign import and export documents-a scenario that would force exporters to hire these brokers for the purpose.

RDC chairman, Governor George Arnaiz of Negros Oriental, said the RDC during its regular meeting in Tagbilaran City Friday approved a resolution supporting PhilExport-Cebu's request for an exemption from such law.

PhilExport-Cebu, in its June 8 meeting, drafted a position paper on the matter and submitted it to the Senate joint committees on economic affairs and on trade and commerce.

In its position paper, the group of Cebu exporters said RA 9280 would deprive exporters of their right to prepare, file, sign and process their own exports.

"The services of Customs brokers are not necessary in the preparation, processing, lodging, filing of export documents. There are no export duties to calculate," said PhilExport-Cebu, adding its lament on why it was not consulted before Congress approval of RA 9280.

PhilExport-Cebu also said the inclusion of export documents requirements will only add unnecessary costs to exporters and extend processing time, both situations of which is "anathema" to a related law, Republic Act 7844 or the Export Development Act.

RA 9280 would contradict RA 7844, which mandates that State policy should evolve export development into a national effort, with simplification of export procedures, and repeal of provisions that would be detrimental to the export sector, said PhilExport-Cebu.

If the main purpose of RA 9280 is to make the practice of Customs brokers a profession then such law should not also overwrite RA7844's principles to support export promotion, PhilExport-Cebu said. - Cristina C. Birondo