Basic information
Outline of the system
The importation of all explosives, explosive ingredients, accessories, controlled chemicals (high and low risk categories), and pyrotechnic devices for theatrical effects require the issuance of a license and permit to import to be granted by the Philippine National Police through the Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO) pursuant to existing implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act (RA) No. 9516, RA No. 7183, and Presidential Decree No. 1866 and other relevant regulations in conformity with the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)” under RA No. 10863.
Product coverage
All importations of explosives, explosive ingredients, accessories, controlled chemicals (high and low risk categories), pyrotechnic devices for theatrical effects require a license and permit to import.
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 Protect human, animal or plant life and health; protect environment; Regulate imports of explosives, explosive ingredients, controlled chemicals used in the manufacture of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices; Regulate imports of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices; and safeguard national security.
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The issuance of license and permit to import aims to uphold public safety, protect national security interest and to provide a fair, reasonable and transparent regulation.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The requirement applies to goods originating from any country.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Ongoing
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The issuance of the Import Permit is pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 9516, RA No. 7183, and Presidential Decree No. 1866, and other relevant regulations in conformity with the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)” under RA No. 10863.
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?
For certain imports there is a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation. This system ensures that only qualified applicants are granted licenses.
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Under the non-automatic licensing system, only firms and institutions duly registered as licensed manufacturers, dealers, distributors, end-users of explosives, explosive ingredients, accessories, and controlled chemicals of high and low risk categories are qualified to apply for an import permit. Import permits may be allowed for pyrotechnic devices, provided, these are intended for theatrical effects only.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
License and Permit Section Philippine National Police
Address
Col. Briones cor Alagar Streets, Camp BGen Rafael T
Crame, Quezon City 1111, Philippines
Telephone
(+632) 723 04 01 local 4498
Fax
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Ministry: Firearms and Explosives Office
Philippine National Police (FEO-PNP)
Address: Col. Briones St. cor. Alagar St. Camp BGen Rafael T
Crame, Quezon City 1111, Philippines
Website: https://www.feo.net
Telephone: (+632) 723 04 01 local 4498
E-Mail: lpsemdfeo@gmail.com
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The information usually required in applications includes the name and address of the importer, business of importer, name and address of exporter/shipper, country of origin, means of transport, description and amount of goods to be imported.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
The documents required to support the application, usually include, among others: (a) pro forma invoice covering the importation applied for (b) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration certificate for corporations and partnerships and Bureau of Domestic Trade registration certification for single proprietorship; (c) financial statements; and (d) a copy of export contract or L/C application.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
An application for Import Permit, with a valid license, may be filed on any working day of the year.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
An import permit cannot be granted immediately.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Under normal circumstances, an application for an Import Permit can be granted within 24 working days or sooner, if the requirements are complete, authentic and valid in all respects.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
The application for an import permit is submitted to the License and Permit (LPS) Section, Explosives Management Division (EMD), Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) of the Philippine National Police.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Only one administrative body considers the application for a license.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Import permit/clearance/authority may be issued upon compliance with the requirements and conditions imposed by the FEO.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
The licensing fees or administrative charges imposed are as follows:
|
Permit to Import Firecrackers and Pyrotechnics Devices (FCPD) |
P 5,000.00/permit |
|
Permit to Import Pyrotechnics (Theatrical Effects) |
P 1,000.00/permit |
|
Permit to Export Firecrackers and Pyrotechnics Devices (FCPD) |
No fee |
|
Permit to Import Explosives/Explosive Ingredients |
P 6,000.00/permit |
|
Permit to Export Explosives/Explosive Ingredients |
No Fee |
|
Permit to Import Controlled Chemicals |
P 6,000.00/permit |
|
Permit to Export Controlled Chemicals |
No Fee |
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Other Fees, (to be paid upon arrival of explosives/explosive ingredients/controlled chemicals)
Permit to Unload:
|
Explosives/Explosive Ingredients/Controlled Chemicals in solid form |
Php 0.10/kg |
|
Explosives/Explosive Ingredients/Controlled Chemicals in liquid form |
Php 0.10/ltr |
|
Detonating Cords and Safety Fuse |
Php 0.05/mtr |
|
Blasting Caps and Connectors |
Php 0.05/pc |
|
Ingredients of Pyrotechnics |
Php 50.00/kg |
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 licenses.
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?
During election period, an applicant must first secure an exemption from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to authorize the domestic movement of imported goods from the port of entry to the authorized storage facility of the licensee.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
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?
Upon importation, the documents required include: (a) commercial invoice; (b) bill of lading; (c) clearance certificate from pertinent administrative bodies; (d) formal customs entry; (e) valid license to operate; and (f) valid certificate of registration for imported finished products in original packaging.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
Not applicable.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
If the importer is a manufacturer or dealer, the validity of the Import Permit is one year and the approving authority is the Chief of the Philippine National Police. For end-user or purchaser, the validity of the import permit is one year and the approving authority of the Import Permit is delegated to the Director of the Civil Security Group. It is up to the importer to import goods any time during the validity period of the import permit. Goods should be shipped from the exporting country only after the import permit is issued. Some licenses are issued for a particular shipment only, with a validity period adequate to cover the whole process of importation. Others are issued with a validity period identical with that of the period granted in the permit. The period of validity ranges from one month to one year and in all cases renewable upon written application by interested parties to the concerned agency/bureau.
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 license subject to quota or a portion of it.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licenses are made in the name of the applicant-importer only and are non-transferable.
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.