PPA implements online processing of export wharfage exemption applications

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Manila International Container Terminal. Photo from ictsi.com.
  • The Philippine Ports Authority’s web-based app, Online Port Charges Exemption, will enable Philippine Economic Zone Authority-registered companies to register for export wharfage exemption, specifically for exports using Manila International Container Terminal
  • The order takes effect on December 25
  • The automation aims to lessen onsite activities and promote paperless transactions in the approval of exemption from export wharfage
  • OPCE complements the Advance Customer Transaction System, an online system that allows MICT customers to settle their port charges online and print required documents when they go to deliver or retrieve their cargo

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will implement online processing and approval of the export wharfage exemption for Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered companies using the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).

According to PPA Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 43-2020 dated December 1, online processing and approval will be done through PPA’s Online Port Charges Exemption (OPCE), a web-based app that validates commodities exported by different exporters in the country. The order takes effect on December 25.

MC 43-2020 states that OPCE aims to enable exporters to seamlessly register with the ports authority for the applicability of wharfage exemption.

Part of the fiscal incentives granted to PEZA-registered export manufacturing enterprises is exemption from wharfage dues, particularly for registered export products.

MC 43-2020 notes that automation of the process will lessen onsite transactions and promote a paperless process in the approval of exemption of export wharfage.

OPCE, available at https://api.ppa.com.ph/, complements the Advance Customer Transaction System (ACTS) by serving as a transaction server and audit system for commodity exports being processed.

ACTS is an online portal by port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) that allows MICT customers to settle their port charges online and print the required documents when they go to deliver or retrieve their cargo. ICTSI has closed its billing center as it transitions to 100% online payment.

OPCE is also pursuant to Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 01-2020, which mandates the online filing and processing of port applications, as well as the online payment of port dues, fees, cargo-handling and related charges, customs duties and taxes, and shipping line charges.

READ: Online filing of docs, payment for port charges made mandatory

The JMC signed virtually on August 5 requires government agencies and the three Manila port operators Asian Terminals Inc., ICTSI, and Harbour Centre Port Terminal, Inc. to “calibrate their online system and platforms” to ensure smooth implementation of the new order, which “should be fully implemented and complied with within 60 days from its effectivity.”

PEZA-registered companies should register to OPCE to enable processing of their online wharfage exemption.

PPA-MICT will review, validate, and approve or disapprove the requests for commodity approval. Morning requests for approval should be done before 9:00 a.m. while afternoon requests should be done before 4 p.m. All requests beyond 4 p.m. will be approved on the next working day.

PPA MC 43-2020 amends or repeals all inconstant orders, guidelines, and rules and regulations.

A video tutorial on how to apply for exemption from port charges is available on the PPA website. – Roumina Pablo