PH Importation & Exportation Best Practices

Course Description

Duration 3 days – 21 hrs

Overview

A practical, compliance-focused program on end-to-end import/export in the Philippines—covering planning, contracts, Incoterms® 2020, customs valuation, HS classification, documentation, e-customs (BOC e2m), ASEAN Single Window, risk controls, and post-entry/export best practices. Real PH case studies (BOC, BIR, DTI/ExportDev, PEZA/BOI, FDA-regulated goods) and hands-on exercises ensure participants can confidently execute, audit, and continuously improve trade operations.

Objectives

Map the end-to-end PH import/export process and stakeholders.
Apply Incoterms® 2020 to allocate risks, costs, and documents correctly.
Determine the correct HS code and compute duties, VAT, and fees using customs valuation methods.
Prepare and quality-check BOC e2m entries (SAD) and documentary packets.
Implement shipper/buyer screening, KYC, and trade sanctions controls.
Use best practices for freight & logistics selection, container and cargo risk management.
Set up internal SOPs, RACI, and controls to prevent penalties, delays, and leakage.
Navigate special regimes (PEZA/BOI), bonded, and FDA-regulated goods basics.
Manage post-entry (amendments, protests, audits) and export sales documentation & proof of zero-rating.
Build a 90-day improvement plan for their company’s trade operations.

Audience

Import/Export, Logistics, and Supply Chain teams
Finance/Accounting (AP/AR, tax, audit), Compliance/Legal, Procurement, Sales Ops
SME owners, first-time traders, and startup operations managers

Pre- requisites

None required; helpful: basic Excel and business math, familiarity with purchasing or logistics.

Course Content

Foundations & Import Essentials

Trade Landscape (PH) & Stakeholders

Roles: Importer/Exporter, Customs Broker, Forwarder, Consolidator, Trucker, Bank
Government touchpoints: BOC (AMO, Piers/NAIA), BIR, DTI/Export Dev, PEZA/BOI, FDA (for regulated goods)
Flow overview: pre-entry → entry → examination/release → post-entry

Incoterms® 2020 in Practice

Cost/risk/document split; choosing terms by product, route, and leverage
Common PH pitfalls (EXW/FOB misuse in containerized trade)
Exercise: Select the right Incoterm for 4 real-world scenarios

HS Classification & Customs Valuation

PH Tariff structure, HS/ASEAN Harmonization basics
Valuation methods (Transaction value to fallbacks), assists & related-party issues
Workshop: Classify 5 products; compute estimated duties, VAT, and fees

Pre-Import Compliance & Documentation

Importer accreditation (BOC AMO), BIR registration basics
Supplier due diligence, sanctions screening, AML/KYC tie-ins
Commercial documents: invoice, packing list, transport docs, insurance, COO, permits
Regulated goods overview: FDA/LTO & CPR (high level)

Logistics & Risk Management

Mode & route selection; FCL/LCL; lead-time & demurrage/detention math
Cargo insurance essentials; container and seal integrity; loss/damage handling
Vendor scorecards & KPIs (OTIF, dwell time, document accuracy)

Import Execution, Post-Entry & Export Playbook

BOC e-Customs (e2m) & Entry Filing

Data elements of SAD, common error codes, holds, x-ray/exam pathways
Payment options, release, gatepass, truck-out; coordinating with brokers
Lab: Walkthrough of an entry case (from arrival notice to release)

Taxes, Incentives & Special Regimes (Overview)

VAT treatment, zero-rating basics for exporters (evidence & documentation)
PEZA/BOI interactions (high-level), bonded options (conceptual)
Landed cost model template for purchasing decisions

Post-Entry & Audit Readiness

Amendments, refunds, protests (overview)
Recordkeeping standards, audit trail, reconciliation with finance
SOP & RACI building: maker-checker, document control, exception handling

Export Best Practices (PH)

Export registration touchpoints, buyer screening & AML/sanctions
Export documentation pack: sales contract, CI/PL, BL/AWB, COO/Form D (ASEAN), permits if applicable
ASEAN Single Window/ACDD concept; proof of export; freight & carrier selection
Exercise: Build an export doc checklist by Incoterm and payment term

Payments & Trade Finance