Books Imported into the Philippines are Tax Free BUT…

Here is the article
here is the law
here are the real requirements.

Prior to the release by the Bureau of Customs of books imported in commercial quantities, the importers must first present an endorsement from the Revenue Office of the Department of Finaance for the duty- and VAT-free importation of books/materials covered by the Florence Agreement which sall be issued after submission of the following documents.

  1. Bill of Lading/Airwaybill/Postal registry Notice with BOC tentative Assessment sheet.
  2. Commercial Invoce
  3. Packing list with Title of books
  4. Authority of Representative (in Lieu of Consignee)
  5. Affidavit to the effect that the shipment consists of books; 
  6. In case of donated books – deed of donation duly authenticated by the Philippine Consulate Abroad, and deed of Acceptance
  7. Certification from UNESCO office in the Philippines attensting that the imporations /s is /are covered by the Florence Agreement; and
  8. Certificate of Registration with the national books development Board as book importer or publisher. 
For Books imported as Personal Effects or for personal use
The endorsement prescribed under Section 3.1 hereof shall not be required for books imported as personal effects or for personal use as defined under section 2(b) of this Order, whether transported as accompanied baggage, through couriers or the post offices,. said importations however should be cleared and released through required declarations of goods as provided under existing rules and regulations. 
I remember my Chinese history lectures, when the british cleaned up Chinese customs in the middle of the 19C it basically gave them all the revenue to start back up again despite Userous Loans, War, and a failing economy. Imagine if we cleaned up our Customs in the Philippines; a fair and easy to follow customs system. The ROI would be very very short. 

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