Attached is a copy of letter, dated 12 March 2003, from Hon. LUIS M. CATIBAYAN, Officer-In-Charge, BUREAU OF IMPORT SERVICES, regarding the release of used motor vehicles from Customs premises, without the required Certificate of Roadworthiness and Certificate of Compliance with Emission Standards issued by the country of origin and authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate or agency authorized by the Philippine government.

Please take note of applicable provisions of law relative to the required certificates, as cited therein.

For your information and guidance.

Adopted: 13 March 2003

(SGD.) ANTONIO M. BERNARDO
  Commissioner

Attachment: 

12 March 2003 

Mr. Antonio M. Bernardo
Commissioner
Bureau of Customs
Port Area, Manila 

Dear Comm. Bernardo: 

We have been informed that imported used motor vehicles are being released from the Customs premises without the required certificates of Roadworthiness and compliance to emission standards issued from the country of origin duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate and/or by any agency authorized and accredited by the Philippine Government. 

We wish to inform you that a Certificate of Roadworthiness and Compliance to Emission Standards is required prior to the release of the imported used motor vehicles classified as regulated and liberalized commodities from the customs premises and the subsequent registration at the LTO. This is in compliance with the provisions of Rule XXXII, Section 2, para. 3 of Republic Act (RA) No. 8749 otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act of 199 and its implementing rules and regulations which states that a Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standards authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate from the country of origin is required for imported used motor vehicles, and BIS regulations pursuant to Rule XXXII, Section 2, para. 5 of the same Act, which mandates the DTI-BIS to formulate guidelines to ensure that rebuilt and imported second motor vehicles satisfy the emission standards for rebuilt and imported second hand motor vehicles. 

May we request for the dissemination of this information in all the major ports of the country for the guidance of all concerned. 

Thank you for the usual support and cooperation on matter of mutual concerns. 

Very truly yours, 

(Sgd.) Luis M. Catibayan
Officer-in-Charge