Online accreditation system for seafreight forwarders’ launched

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Sample dashboard of the Integrated Registration and Information Systems. Screengrab during the August 18 virtual launch of the online application for Certificate of Accreditation of seafreight forwarders.
  • Seafreight forwarders may now apply for, renew accreditation online with the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau
  • The Department of Trade and Industry’s Integrated Registration and Information Systems or IRegIS removes the need for face-to-face transactions and complements alternative work arrangements being implemented during the pandemic
  • Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association president Marilyn Alberto welcomed the initiative as it streamlined requirements and made application convenient and transparent
  • Applications submitted to FTEB prior to the launch of the system will still be processed via email

Seafreight forwarders may now apply for and renew their accreditation with the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) online using the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Integrated Registration and Information Systems (IRegIS).

At the August 18 launch of IRegIS, DTI assistant secretary Ronnel Abrenica said the system is an initiative in line with Republic Act No. 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Government Service Act of 2018), which aims to streamline frontline procedures and reduce processing time for securing government permits and licenses.

Abrenica said IRegIS removes the need for face-to-face transactions and complements alternative work arrangements being implemented during the pandemic.

Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association, Inc. president Marilyn Alberto welcomed the initiative as she said it streamlined requirements and made application convenient and transparent.

IRegIS provides steps to take for new applications and renewals; a checklist of requirements; information on status of application; instructional videos for new and renewal of application; and links to copies of related government issuances. It may be accessed at https://iregis.dti.gov.ph/.

The system is connected with DTI Pay, which allows online payment of fees, currently through PayMaya and debit and credit cards. Bank-to-bank transaction is not yet available.

IRegIS requires users to sign up. Technical support is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (via chatbox) on weekdays.

As a result of the initiative, the Certificate of Accreditation now includes more security features such as a quick response code for verification of authenticity.

Applications already submitted to FTEB prior to the launch of IRegIS will still be processed but via email.

Abrenica said automation of all other frontline services of FTEB is also eyed. Earlier this year, FTEB incorporated in IRegIS the application for import permit for used vehicles, used completely-knock-down parts and components for rebuilding, and automotive and motorcycle parts for replacement. – Roumina Pablo