Customs to tighten rules on entry of imported books

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) will tighten the rules on the importation of books.

Through Memorandum Order No. 25-2011, Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez said importers should apply with the Department of Finance (DOF) for duty-free and tax-free importation of books and indicate in their application the legal basis for their request for exemption from taxes.

Covered by the order are educational, scientific and cultural materials under the Florence Agreement.

Importation of books by non-stock and non-profit educational institutions is also covered by the new guidelines.

The BOC said that applicants for importation under the Florence Agreement should first secure a certification from the UNESCO Office in the Philippines.

“The Florence Agreement, signed in 1952 in Florence, Italy by 17 countries, waived tariffs on books and other printed materials in order to facilitate the free flow of educational, scientific and cultural materials,” the BOC said in a statement yesterday.

“The Philippines became a signatory to the Florence Agreement on Aug. 7, 1979,” it added.

The BOC also said that imported books, newspapers, magazines, or bulletins which have regular circulation for sale and subscription and have fixed prices are exempt from the value-added tax (VAT).

Importers, however, are still required to apply for exemption with the DOF for easier VAT assessment.

Imported books and materials not covered by the regulation are levied the corresponding Customs duties.

For instance, dictionaries and encyclopedias, maps and hydrographic or similar charts as well as plans and drawings for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar purposes are subject to five percent taxes, according to Customs guidelines.