Basic information
Outline of the system
Import permits are required for the importation of radio communications equipment pursuant to Republic Act No. 3846, as amended by Republic Act No. 584.
Product coverage
Permits to import are required for the following radio communications equipment (see also Annex Q):
(a) Radio transmitter
(b) Radio transceiver which include base stations and other transmission apparatus for radiotelephony or radiotelegraphy
(c) Paging transmitters
(d) Paging receivers
(e) Satellite transmitters/transceivers/receivers
(f) Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, including proximity cards and tags
(g) Radio apparatus, radio navigational aid apparatus and radio remote control apparatus
ANNEX Q
List of Radio Communication Equipment
National Telecommunications Commission
|
Radio Communication Equipment (RCE)
|
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 |
|
Radio Transmitter |
|
8517.62.53 |
|
Radio Transceiver
|
|
8517.61.00 8517.62.53
8517.62.59 |
|
Paging transmitters |
|
8517.62.69 |
|
Satellite transmitters/transceiver |
|
8517.62.53
|
|
Radio Frequency Identification Systems (RFID)
|
|
8517.18.00
8523.59.10 |
|
Short Range Devices (SRD) |
|
8517.62.51 |
|
Broadcast Transmitter (transmission apparatus) |
Transmission apparatus for radio broadcasting or television |
8525.50.00 |
|
Others |
|
8517.62.99 |
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 ensure public safety and security and to adhere to international standards
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The importation of radio communications equipment is regulated as required by law and (a) to ensure public safety and security; and (b) to adhere to international standards.
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 permit system applies to all radio communications equipment 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) Republic 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. 09-08-91; (e) NTC MC No. 02-05-88; (f) NTC MC No. 1-1-98; (g) NTC MC No. 01-01-2012; (h) NTC MC No. 01-04-88; and (i) NTC MC No. 02-01-2001.
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 radio equipment manufacturers and radio dealers.
(b) Individuals, private, government, public telecommunications and broadcast entities authorized by the National Telecommunications Commission to install, operate and maintain radio communications network.
(c) Individuals, private and government entities intending to use and operate low power short range devices.
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
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?
(a) Accredited radio equipment manufacturers and radio dealers:
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) NTC Dealer’s Permit/ Manufacturer’s Permit; (c) NTC Type Acceptance Certificate (for commercial purposes); (d) Demo Permit (for demo/type acceptance purposes); and (e) other relevant documents (i.e. Product datasheet).
(b) Individuals, private, government, public telecommunications and broadcast entities authorized by the National Telecommunications Commission to install, operate and maintain radio communications network:
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) Permit to Purchase; (c) Demo Permit; and (d) other relevant documents (i.e. Product datasheet).
(c) Individuals, private and government entities intending to use and operate low power short range devices:
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) Permit to Purchase for Short Range Radio Services (SRRS); and (c) 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 day 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 radio communications 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 R.
Annex R - Telecom Fees.pdfWhat is the amount of the fee or charge?
For the list of fees and charges imposed, see Annex R.
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?
Except for prohibited radio equipment such as jamming devices, portable cellular mobile repeater and portable cell site equipment, 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 radio communications 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.