[ DTI PSB ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 10-01, December 30, 2010 ]

REQUIRING ALL INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING LINES TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC HEARINGS/CONSULTATIONS CONDUCTED BY THE PHILIPPINE SHIPPERS ™ BUREAU (PSB) PRIOR TO IMPOSITION OF LOCAL FEES AND CHARGES



WHEREAS, Section 3 (b) of Executive Order (E.O.) 514 mandates the Philippine Shippers ™ Bureau (PSB), an Agency under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to conduct continuing consultations and negotiations with shipping companies for the shipment of goods on time, at reasonable rates and acceptable shipping terms and conditions;

WHEREAS, international shipping lines have been unilaterally imposing various local fees and charges on export and import shipments without prior consultations with exporters, importers, freight forwarders and other affected stakeholders to the detriment of Philippine products in the global market and the local economy;

WHEREAS, the PSB supports the policy of the DTI to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out Department objectives, policies, plans, programs and projects for the competitiveness of Philippine products in the global market and the stability of prices in the local economy;

WHEREAS, prompted by the World Bank Report that the Philippines has the highest local costs in shipping containers, there is a need to oversee and supervise the rate-setting policies and mechanisms of international shipping lines;

WHEREAS, competitiveness of Philippine products and services in the global market are greatly affected by the unilateral imposition of fees and charges by international shipping lines;

NOW, THEREFORE, in order to promote and protect the competitiveness of Philippine products in the global market as well as the stability of prices in the local economy, all international shipping lines and agents are hereby required to participate and present basis in the public hearings/consultations with all affected sectors to be conducted by Philippine Shippers ™ Bureau prior to imposition of all local fees and charges on export and import shipments.

FURTHER, Philippine Shippers ™ Bureau is hereby directed to promulgate rules and regulations to facilitate the efficient implementation of this Order.

This Order shall take effect immediately after its publication in one (1) newspaper of general circulation.

Adopted: 30 December 2010


(SGD.) ATTY. PEDRO VICENTE C. MENDOZA
Director
Philippine Shippers ™ Bureau - DTI