Basic information
Outline of the system
Import permits are required for the importation of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) to ensure network interface compatibility with public telecommunications network; and when such CPE is connected will not cause harm, or ensure safe operation of the said network and the customers/subscribers.
Product coverage
Permit to import is required for the following (see also Annex S):
(a) Corded/cordless telephone sets
(b) Facsimile machine
(c) Private Branch Exchange (PBX)/Key telephone systems (KTS)
(d) Modem (DSL/Cable/Fiber)
(e) Modem (2G/3G/4G/5G/WiMAX)
(f) Mobile phones (2G/3G/4G/5G)
(g) POST terminal
i. Via PSTN
ii. Via public wireless networks
ANNEX S
List of Customer Premises Equipment
National Telecommunications Commission
|
CUSTOMER PREMISES EQUIPMENT (CPE) |
Electrical Machinery and Equipment and parts thereof; sound, recorders and reproducer, television image, and sound recorders and reproducer and parts and accessories of such articles (TELECOMMUNICATIONS) |
85.17 |
|
Corded/cordless telephone sets |
|
8517.11.00 |
|
Facsimile machine |
|
84.43 |
|
PABX/Key Telephone System(KTS) |
|
8517.62.30 |
|
Modem (DSL/Cable/Fiber) |
|
8517.62.41 |
|
Modem (2G/3G/4G/5G/Wimax) |
|
8517.62.41 |
|
Mobile phones (2G/3G/4G/5G) |
|
8517.70.21 |
|
POS Terminal
|
|
8517.11.00 8517.70.21 |
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Non-Automatic licensing to monitor the construction, installation, establishment, operation or ownership of radio stations, radio transmitters and receivers
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The importation of CPEs is regulated: (a) to ensure network interface compatibility with public telecommunications network and (b) when such CPE is connected will not cause harm, or ensure safe operation of the said network and the customers/subscribers.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
For quota products: Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The permit system applies to Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) coming from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Ongoing
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The pertinent laws, rules and regulations are the following: (a) Act 3846, as amended by Republic Act No. 584; (b) Executive Order No. 546; (c) Republic Act No. 7925; (d) NTC Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 01-04-88; (e) NTC MC No. 02-01-2001; and (f) NTC MC No. 01-01-2012.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
The following may apply for Permit to Import:
a) Accredited Customer Premises Equipment distributors/suppliers
b) Public telecommunications and broadcast entities
c) Individuals, private and government entities
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
National Telecommunications Commission
Address
BIR Road East Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone
Broadcast Services Division (BSD): (+63 2) 924-3744
NTC-National Capital Region (NCR): (+63 2) 924-4010
Regulation Branch (RB): (+63 2) 924-4026
Special Licensing Branch (SLB): (+63 2) 924-4024
Fax
E-mail address
Broadcast Services Division (BSD): broadcast@ntc.gov.ph
NTC-National Capital Region (NCR): ntcncr@ntc.gov.ph
Regulation Branch (RB): regulation@ntc.gov.ph
Special Licensing Branch (SLB): special.licensing@ntc.gov.ph
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
National Telecommunications Commission
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The following are the requirements for application for Permit to Import:
a) Accredited Customer Premises Equipment distributor/supplier
The information required in applications for Permit to Import include, among others: name and address of importer, business of importer, name and address of exporter/shipper, country of origin, make/type/model/description and quantity of goods to be imported. The documents required to support the application, usually include, among others: (a) pro forma/commercial invoice covering the importation applied for; (b) Accreditation Certificate for Customer Premises Equipment (CPE); and (c) other relevant documents (i.e. Product datasheet).
b) Public telecommunications and broadcast entities
The information required in applications for Permit to Import include, among others: name and address of importer, business of importer, name and address of exporter/shipper, country of origin, make/type/model/description and quantity of goods to be imported. The documents required to support the application, usually include, among others: (a) pro forma/commercial invoice covering the importation applied for.
c) Individuals, private and government entities
The information required in applications for Permit to Import include, among others: name and address of importer, business of importer, name and address of exporter/shipper, country of origin, make/type/model/description and quantity of goods to be imported. The documents required to support the application, usually include, among others: (a) pro forma/commercial invoice covering the importation applied for; and (b) other relevant documents (i.e. Product datasheet).
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
The amount of time in advance of importation within which a permit must be applied for is not specified in the regulations.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
Applications may be filed on any working days of the year.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
A permit cannot be granted immediately upon request. Processing of applications requires evaluation/validation of submitted documents.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
The applications for import permit of Customer Premises Equipment is effected by only one administrative body, the National Telecommunications Commission.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Permit to import shall be issued after compliance with the items no. 24, 45, 33 and 47.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
For the list of fees and charges imposed, see Annex T.
ANNEX T
Fees and Charges – Customer Premises Equipment
National Telecommunications Commission
|
VARIOUS PERMITS[1]: |
Permit Fee (in Pesos) |
|---|---|
|
1. Authority/permit to import telecommunication broadcast, customer premises / provided equipment (CPE), spare parts and accessories |
P 240.00/invoice |
|
2. Authority to release telecommunications equipment from the Bureau of Customs not covered by approved permit to purchase, or authority/permit to import |
P 85.00/unit
|
|
3. Permit to purchase/sell or transfer ownership Transmitter/Transceiver |
|
|
a) Broadcast Service |
|
|
High Powered |
P 360.00 |
|
Medium Powered |
P 240.00 |
|
Low Powered |
P 120.00 |
|
b) International Fixed/Mobile/Portable Satellite |
P 360.00 |
|
c) Communication transmitter/transceiver, other than those under a. and b. |
|
|
High Powered |
P 240.00 |
|
Medium Powered |
P 120.00 |
|
Low Powered |
P 96.00 |
|
d) Amateur Radio Service |
P 50.00 |
|
4. Permit to possess/own Transmitter/Transceiver |
|
|
a) Broadcast Service |
P 240.00 |
|
High Powered |
P 240.00 |
|
Medium Powered |
P 120.00 |
|
Low Powered |
P 84.00 |
|
b) International Fixed/Mobile Portable Satellite |
P 360.00 |
|
c) Communication Transmitter/Transceiver, other than those under a and b |
|
|
High Powered |
P 120.00 |
|
Medium Powered |
P 96.00 |
|
Low Powered |
P 60.00 |
|
d) Amateur radio service |
P 50.00 |
|
5. Type Approval /Type Acceptance Certificate Fee[2] |
P 1,400.00/model |
|
|
|
|
6. One-time RFID registration fee |
|
|
a) Low power readers |
P 100.00/unit |
|
b) High power readers[3] |
P 300.00/unit |
|
7. SRD/WDN indoor equipment registration fee[4] |
P 50.00/unit |
[1] Source: NTC Memorandum Circular No. 19-12-2000 (Revised Schedule of, Including Additional, Administrative Fees and Charges of the National Telecommunications Commission), Section 2.XIV: Schedule of Fees and Charges.
[2] Source: NTC Memorandum Circular No. 19-12-2000 (Section 2.XIII)
[3] Source: NTC Memorandum Circular No. 03-08-2006 (Section 4.1)
[4] Source: NTC Memorandum Circular No. 03-01-2013 (Section 6.1)
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
For the list of fees and charges imposed, see Annex T.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance of Permit to Import.
Please refer to https://ntc.gov.ph for further information.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
There are no circumstances to deny other than failure to meet documentary requirements.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
In the event of denial or disapproval by the National Telecommunications Commission of an application for Permit to Import for Customer Premises Equipment, the applicant is informed of the reason for such disapproval
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
The applicant is given the right to make a written appeal for reconsideration of the decision.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Valid Permit to Import is required upon actual importation.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
There are no other required administrative procedures.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
Permit to Import issued by the National Telecommunications Commission is for a particular shipment only (per invoice) and is valid for a period of 90 days from the date of issuance. If not availed within the validity period, applicant may re-apply and pay the necessary fees and charges.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for the non-utilization of a permit.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Permits are made in the name of the applicant-importer and are non-transferrable.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.