All Books Imported to Philippines Are Now Tax-free

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Whether for personal or commercial use, the Department of Finance (DOF) signed Department Order No. 57-2011 detailing the guidelines to this new law of duty- and VAT-free status of books imported into the Philippines, including clearance procedures for customs-related agencies. The law however disallows publication for advertising purposes.

This new law reiterates the UNESCO Florence Agreement which the Philippines signed to waive tarrifs on books and other printed materials used in educational, scientific and cultural intentions.

“Individuals, who import books for personal use whether as accompanied baggage or through couriers or post office, do not need to secure an endorsement from the DOF Revenue Office. However, these importations should be cleared and released through the required declaration of goods under existing regulations,” ABS-CBN News wrote. However, importation of books is limited to twelve for an institution and six for an individual.

For commercial book importers, they must present an endorsement from the Finance Department’s Revenue Office so it can be exempted from duties and taxes. This includes a Certification from the UNESCO Office in the Philippines attesting that the importation/s is/are covered by the Florence Agreement.

Read more at ABS-CBN News

Photo by specialkrb at Flickr.com

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