While many customs processes are already digitalized, some manual procedures remain a challenge, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) according to a joint feasibility study released by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.
The study titled, National Feasibility Study on Cross-border Electronic Exchange of Trade-related Data and Documents: The Philippines, assessed the readiness of the Philippines in implementing electronic trade data exchange with potential partners in the Asia-Pacific region.
The report also provided the current landscape of trade facilitation in the Philippines, with a particular focus on the impact of paperless trade on SMEs who stand to benefit most from streamlined, digital trade processes.
Key findings of the study reveal significant progress in the Philippines’ digital trade infrastructure, with many Customs operations already digitalized.
However, challenges including manual processes in permit and license applications and a lack of standardized data formats across government agencies still remain.
These issues particularly affect SMEs, which account for 99.5 percent of firms and 63.2 percent of employment in the country.
The study advocates for policy development in areas such as capacity-building, standardized digital data governance, and the use of emerging technologies.
When it comes to adoption of electronic exchange of data and documents, the joint feasibility study identified China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and the US as key potential trading partners.
It highlights the top three documents for prioritization in cross-border electronic exchange: the Certificate of Origin, Export Declaration and Phytosanitary Certificate.
