Pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 156, as amended by EO 877-A, importation of used motor vehicles into the Philippines is prohibited, except those expressly enumerated therein. Those exempted from the prohibition may be imported subject to prior import clearance from the Department of Trade and Industry's Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB). Likewise, importation of used engines, parts and components of all motor vehicles is regulated and needs prior import clearance from the DTI FTEB. Regulated used motor vehicles, engines, parts and components are those items falling under heading 87.02 to 87.08 of the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN). Please see Annexes K.1 – K.8 for reference.

Applications for authority to import regulated used motor vehicles, used engines, parts and components shall be submitted to the DTI-FTEB prior to shipment of goods from the country of origin to the Philippine customs territory.

The country's import licensing system requires importers to secure import license prior to importation of used motor vehicles, used engines, parts and components as well as for the importation of government agencies of any goods/commodities.

The list of regulated, used or second-hand motor vehicles is provided in Article 2, Section 3 of EO 877 A.

For purposes of determining the type of motor vehicles that are allowed for importation, the following descriptions shall be used:

a) Vehicle imported under the no dollar import program – a motor vehicle personally owned by a returning resident or immigrant with GVW not exceeding three tons in accordance with the Program's guidelines. Such vehicles cannot be resold for at least three years;

b) A vehicle for the use of an official of the Diplomatic Corps and authorized to be imported by the Department of Foreign Affairs;

c) Trucks with GVW of 2.5 tons and above covered by an authority to import issued by the Department of Trade and Industry CDTI);

d) Buses with GVW of 6 tons and above covered by an authority to import issued by the DTI;

e) Special purpose vehicles;

f) Motorcycles covered by an authority to import issued by the DTI;

g) Importation of used engines and parts and components for all motor vehicles.

The requirement of import clearance applies to used motor vehicles, parts and components coming from all countries.

The Certificate of Authority to Import (CAI) is not used to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but for: (a) public safety and protection, and, (b) protection of the Philippine environment.

The authority to import is a statutory requirement of Executive Order (EO) No. 156 dated 12 December 2002 entitled "Providing for a Comprehensive Industrial Policy and Directions for the Motor Vehicle Development Program and Its Implementing Guidelines", as amended by EO No. 877 A, entitled "The Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Development Program".

Republic Act No. 8749 otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1999 was promulgated to promote and protect the environment including its air sheds against pollution from mobile sources, among others.

Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 18-04, series of 2018 otherwise known as the Compliance with Emission Standards for the Importation of Used Motor Vehicles and Parts and Components under the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, was issued to supplement RA No. 8749 by requiring the importation of completely built-up (CBU) used motor vehicles and completely knocked down (CKD) parts and components for truck rebuilding to be compliant with Euro 4 emission standards.

Import license is required to be secured prior to shipment of the goods at the country of origin.

However, owing to inadvertency, import license may still be issued as long as the goods have not yet arrived in the Philippines.

Processing of an application for an import license will take 1-2 days from receipt of the application.

The DTI-FTEB accepts applications from Mondays to Fridays (except Holidays), from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The online application for an import license is filed, processed and approved by the DTI-FTEB through DTI's IREGIS Portal (regis.dti.gov.ph). However, the approved import license, formally designated as a Certificate of Authority to Import (CAI) is passed on to the Bureau of Customs for implementation of the terms indicated therein.

A copy of the same CAI is also passed on to the Philippine Land Transportation Office where the imported used motor vehicle shall be registered.

Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?

An application for an import license maybe refused or denied if the vehicle to be imported is covered by the import prohibition and/or is not among those exempted from the import prohibition as provided under EO No. 156, as amended by EO No. 877-A.

Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

In case of denial or disapproval, the applicant is informed of the reason and is given the opportunity to amend the application.

Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?

The applicant may amend the type of vehicles to be imported to conform to the list of exempted motor vehicles.

Any person, natural or juridical, government agencies/institutions, are eligible to apply for CAIs as long they meet the basic requirements/criteria set by the DTI. For the rebuilding of used truck, bus and special purpose vehicle, only DTI-accredited rebuilding centres are qualified to apply for CAIs pursuant to DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 08 s. 2003.

There is no registration fee required for any person to apply for CAI.

10.1 For Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) parts and components of used truck, bus, and special purpose vehicle for rebuilding (see Annex L.1 – Application Form):

10.1.1 Applicant's Information – name of business, address, tax identification number (TIN), contact in formation, form of organization, contact person and designation, social classifications, sex, asset size, industry classification, product line/services and total number of employees
10.1.2 Description of Items to be imported – chassis and engine number, brand/model, quantity, rated gross vehicle weight, year/model, number of wheels, invoice value/number, country of origin and port of destination
10.1.3 Mode of Payment – name of supplier, address, contact details, name of agent bank and address, funding source and contact details
10.1.4 Requirements
10.1.4.1 Completely filled out DTI-FTEB Application Form and notarized Affidavit of Undertaking;
10.1.4.2 Proforma Invoice;
10.1.4.3 Certificate of Accreditation as a Rebuilding Centre (for first importation only)

10.2 For Used Trucks, Buses and Special Purpose Vehicle Importation (see Annex L.2 – Application Form):
10.2.1 Applicant's Information – name of business, address, tax identification number (TIN), contact in formation, form of organization, contact person and designation, social classifications, sex, asset size, industry classification, product line/services and total number of employees
10.2.2 Description of Items to be imported – type of commodity, brand/model, gross vehicle weight, number of wheels, total amount, quantity, term of shipment, invoice value/number country of origin and port of destination
10.2.3 Mode of Payment – name of supplier, address, contact details, name of agent bank and address, funding source and contact details
10.2.4 Requirements
10.2.4.1 Completely filled out DTI-FTEB Application Form and notarized Affidavit of Undertaking;
10.2.4.2 Proforma Invoice;
10.2.4.3 Business Name if Single Proprietorship/Partnership or SEC if corporation (for new applicants);
10.2.4.4 Certificate of Roadworthiness and Emission Compliance (CEC) from the country of origin duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy abroad for non-members of the Apostille Convention or apostillized by the competent authority of Apostille-contracting countries, whichever is applicable (under CAA RA 8749);
10.2.4.5 Picture of the motor vehicle (upon Request)

10.3. For Used Engines, Parts and Components Importation (see Annex L.3 – Application Form):
10.3.1 Applicant's Information – name of business, address, tax identification number (TIN), contact in formation, form of organization, contact person and designation, social classifications, sex, asset size, industry classification, product line/services and total number of employees
10.3.2 Description of Items to be imported – description, invoice number/value/date, quantity and port of destination
10.3.3 Mode of Payment – name of supplier, address, contact details, name of agent bank and address, funding source and contact details
10.3.4 Requirements
10.3.4.1 Completely filled out DTI-FTEB Application Form and notarized Affidavit of Undertaking;
10.3.4.2 Proforma Invoice;
10.3.4.3 Business Name if Single Proprietorship/Partnership or SEC if corporation (for new applicants);
10.3.4.4 In appropriate cases, applicant may be required to submit a brochure or any pertinent literature to describe the spare parts to be imported

10.4 For No-Dollar Importation of Used Motor Vehicle (see Annex L.4):
10.4.1 Applicant's Information – name, date of birth, sex, civil status, nationality, length of stay abroad, passport number, type of visa, social classification, occupation, name of spouse, foreign address, Philippine address, contact person, designation and contact details
10.4.2 Description of Motor Vehicle – make, year/model, colour, type of fuel, vehicle identification number, date of registration, gross vehicle weight and port of destination
10.4.3 Requirements
10.4.3.1 Basic Requirements
10.4.3.1.1 For the Importer
a) Philippine passport for Philippine citizens showing that the applicant has resided abroad for at least one year (accumulated for the last three years from the date of filing of the application)
b) Immigrants holding 13G or 13A Visa or Dual Citizens
c) SRR Visa Holder under the Philippine Retirement Act
d) 47(a)(2) Visa Holder under the Balik-Scientist Program
10.4.3.1.2 For the Motor Vehicle
a) Left Hand Drive
b) Not to exceed 3,000Kgs GVW
c) Registered under the name of qualified importer for at least six months prior to the submission of the application; Co owner to submit Affidavit of Waiver
d) Certificate of Roadworthiness and Emission Compliance (CEC) from the country of origin duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy abroad for non-members of the Apostille Convention or apostillized by the competent authority of Apostille-contracting countries, whichever is applicable (under CAA RA 8749).
10.4.3.2 Documentary Requirements
10.4.3.2.1 Completely filled out DTI-FTEB Application Form and notarized Affidavit of Undertaking;
10.4.3.2.2 One copy of 2x2 picture with signature;
10.4.3.2.3 Picture of the motor vehicle;
10.4.3.2.4 Car Title or Registration with English translation if necessary
10.4.4 Additional Requirements
10.4.4.1 Philippine Passport Holders – Original or authenticated copy of pages with entries of both old and new passport
10.4.4.2 Dual Citizens:
10.4.4.2.1 Original or authenticated copy of Philippine and Foreign Passport
10.4.4.2.2 Original or authenticated copy of Identification Certificate or Oath of allegiance issued by the Bureau of Immigration or Philippine Consulate/ Embassy in-lieu of a Philippine passport
10.4.4.3 Foreign Passport Holders (13A and 13G visa holders):
10.4.4.3.1 Original or authenticated copy of passport, stamped with valid 13A and 13G Visa)
10.4.4.3.2 Immigrant Card (I-card)
10.4.3.4 Foreigners Under the Philippine Retirement Act (PRA) (SRR Visa) – Original or authenticated copy of passport stamped with a valid SRR Visa
10.4.3.5 Filipinos/Foreigners of Filipino Descent under the Balik-Scientist Program (47A2 Visa) – Original or authenticated copy of passport stamped with valid 47A2 Visa
10.4.5 Note
10.4.5.1 Authentication is required when original documents cannot be presented, unless expressly stated
10.4.5.2 Non-original documents shall be authenticated by the Philippine Consulate/Embassy abroad
10.4.5.3 Certificate of car title or registration from UAE shall be authenticated by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and consequently certified by the Philippine Consulate/Embassy abroad
10.4.5.4 Importation of motor vehicles is subject to payment of taxes and duties
10.4.5.5 Personal appearance of applicant at the FTEB is required prior to the release of the motor vehicle from the Bureau of Customs (BOC)
10.4.5.6 Only one vehicle shall be allowed per family (composed of the husband, wife and unemancipated minor children) and can avail of the program only once (under Part II Sec. 3, par.d.3 of the guidelines of EO No. 156 as amended by EO No. 877-A)
10.4.5.7 There shall be no resale of the motor vehicle for three years (under EO 156 as amended by EO No. 877-A)
10.4.5.8 Must file within two years of arrival
10.4.5.9 Submit to the FTEB the above-mentioned requirements for evaluation and subsequent issuance of an authority to import if found qualified

10.5 For Importation of used motor vehicles by the Officials of the Diplomatic Corps – The information required in the application are (see Annex L.5):
10.5.1 Official of the Diplomatic Corps (individual)
10.5.1.1 Basic Requirements:
10.5.1.1.1 Importer
a. Officials of the Diplomatic Corps and International Organizations
10.5.1.1.2 Motor Vehicle
a. Left Hand Drive
b. Certificate of Roadworthiness and Emission Compliance (CEC) from country of origin duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy abroad for non-members of the Apostille Convention or apostillized by the competent authority of Apostille-contracting countries, whichever is applicable. (under CAA, RA 8749)
10.5.1.2 Documentary Requirements:
10.5.1.2.1 Completely filled out DTI-FTEB Application Form and notarized Affidavit of Undertaking
10.5.1.2.2 Copy of 2x2 picture with signature
10.5.1.2.3 Copy of passport
10.5.1.2.4 Copy of picture of motor vehicle
10.5.1.2.6 Original or Certified True Copy of Car Title or Registration with English translation if necessary
10.5.1.2.7 Certification from Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as a member of Diplomatic Corps and authorization to import used motor vehicle

10.5.2 Embassy and International Organization
10.5.2.1 Basic Requirements:
10.5.2.1.1 Importer
a. Embassies and International Organizations
10.5.2.1.2 Motor Vehicle
a. Left Hand Drive
b. Certificate of Roadworthiness and Emission Compliance (CEC) from country of origin duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy abroad for non-members of the Apostille Convention or apostillized by the competent authority of Apostille-contracting countries, whichever is applicable. (under CAA, RA 8749)
10.5.1.2 Documentary Requirements:
10.5.1.2.1 Completely filled out DTI-FTEB Application Form and notarized Affidavit of Undertaking;
10.5.1.2.2 Copy of Certification from Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that the particular DM/IO is authorized to import used motor vehicle for the use of officials of the Diplomatic Corps or International Organization;
10.5.1.2.3 Copy of picture of motor vehicle

10.6 For Government Importation (see Annex L.6 – Application Form):
10.6.1 Completely filled out DTI-FTEB Application Form and notarized Affidavit of Undertaking
10.6.2 Proforma Invoice
10.6.3 Certificate of Roadworthiness and Emission Compliance (CEC) from country of origin duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy abroad for non-members of the Apostille Convention or apostillized by the competent authority of Apostille-contracting countries, whichever is applicable. (under CAA, RA 8749) - for motor vehicles only
10.6.4 Liquidation of previous Authority to Import, if any/ Certificate of First Importation
10.6.5 Copy of Board Resolution (original & certified true copy w/ dry seal) for Local Government Unit (LGU) only, indicating all items to be imported
10.6.6 Copy of Notice of Award, Abstract of Bids, if through public bidding
10.6.7 Sole distributorship/manufacturer certificate, certificate of non-public bidding
10.6.8 Brochure and other documents (if needed)

10.7 For Importation of used Motor Vehicle through Donation by Local Government Units (see Annex L.7):
10.7.1 For Donee/Consignee
10.7.1.1 Completely filled out DTI-FTEB Application Form and notarized Affidavit of Undertaking
10.7.1.2 Letter request for Importation
10.7.1.3 Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Panglungsod or Sangguniang Bayan Resolution accepting the donation (original and certified true copy with dry seal of the City/Municipal/Province)
10.7.2 For Donor/Supplier
10.7.2.1 Authenticated DEED OF DONATION by the nearest Philippine Consulate abroad (original and photocopy)

A Certificate of Authority to Import (CAI) is required prior to importation of used vehicles, parts and components. The importer shall present CAI to Bureau of Customs (BOC) upon arrival of the imported units.

Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

There are fees associated with the application for authority to import for each program.

What is the amount of the fee or charge?

There is no deposit or advance payment required in connection with the issuance of import authority.

The validity of the CAI varies per import program.

There is no penalty for the non-utilization of a CAI.

Licenses are issued in the name of the applicant-importer and they are non-transferable.

The CAI is issued based on documents submitted by the applicant-importer. All information about the importation are attested to be accurate and truthful through the Affidavit of Undertaking of the importer/applicant.

The importer/consignee is liable for any material falsehood, or any act of misrepresentation declared in any of the attached documents and/or committed during the course of the import transaction with FTEB, and such falsehood and/or misrepresentation shall be sufficient ground for the imposition by FTEB of applicable administrative penalties such as, among others, cancellation of the CAI, or recommendation for the cancellation of accreditation as DTI-accredited rebuilding center, recommendation to the appropriate government authorities for the seizure of the imported goods, without prejudice to criminal liabilities and/or imposition of other administrative sanctions pursuant to Executive Order No. 156, s. 2002 as amended by EO No. 877-A, s. 2010, D.A.O No. 08, s. 2003, Letter of Instructions No. 1307 and EO No. 443, s. 2005).

There are no other administrative procedures prior to importation apart from the application for import authority.