Philippines Mandates Electronic Invoicing for All Imported Goods

MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has mandated a new system for the digital and integrated pre-border technical verification and cross-border electronic invoicing of all imported commodities in the Philippines. This directive was formalized through Administrative Order (AO) No. 23, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on May 13.

According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative aims to enhance the inspection of imported goods, strengthen national security, protect consumer rights, and guard against environmentally hazardous and substandard imports. The order asserts that “a single electronic invoicing system controlled by the Philippine Government is essential for the effective monitoring of international trade transactions of all imported goods.”

The AO also establishes the Committee for Pre-border Technical Verification and Cross-border Electronic Invoicing, chaired by the Secretary of Finance, with other cabinet members including the Secretaries of Agriculture, Trade, Energy, Health, Environment and Natural Resources, and Information Communications Technology as members. The committee will also include the Bureau of Customs (BOC) commissioner, the Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and two non-voting representatives from recognized industry associations.

The Bureau of Customs is tasked as the primary agency responsible for implementing this electronic invoicing system, which aligns with the government’s strategic direction, adheres to international trade standards, and complies with existing laws and regulations.