Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Benigno N. Ricafort said that in December 2008 alone, at least 112 locators have enrolled in the system representing 64 percent of the 175 business firms actively importing here.
Launched on December 1, 2008, e-TAPS enables locators to electronically lodge their import permit applications, pay the required fees, and print the system-generated permit.
The e-TAPS covers cargo discharge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Port of Manila, the Manila International Container Port, Subic Bay Freeport, and the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, Ricafort said.
He added that out of the 175 active importers inside the Clark Freeport, 71 or 63 percent are manufacturing companies; 32 or 29 percent are service firms; and nine or eight percent are in the commercial or trading industry.
“Because of its advantages and benefits, the e-TAPS is now appreciated by locators,” Ricafort said.
Ricafort cited some of the advantages of the e-TAPS: “It simplifies the procedures and accelerates approval time…locators and able to electronically lodge and have their permits processed and approved within five to 10 seconds instead of the usual 10 to 15 minutes per permit;
“Locators can file the e-TAPS right in their own offices or anywhere there is internet connection…no need to go to the CDC. Thus, it reduces operational costs…supplies, transportation, fuel, man hours, and manpower;
“With the e-TAPS, a single administrative document or form is used by both Freeport zone authorities and the BoC. Thus, it speeds up clearance process at the BoC thereby allowing speedy delivery of goods to locators. There is no need to fill-out and process three different forms at the BoC;
“It increases global competitiveness of the Clark Freeport…at par with neighboring and trading partners like Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the United States.”
In 2008, the CDC announced that on-line processing time for permit applications inside the Clark Freeport will only take less than five minutes starting December 1.
CDC Vice President Mariz Mandocdoc said the state-owned corporation will no longer process permits manually following the implementation of the e-TAPS here in Clark last November 7, 2008.
The first e-TAPs implementation was conducted during the live transaction of the Admission Permit of Nanox Philippines at the Bureau of Customs Port of Clark last Nov. 7.
Mandocdoc said the transaction was lodged electronically by Airlift Asia, Inc. using the WebCWS portal of InterCommerce.
Ricafort said the e-TAPS is in compliance with the Joint Management Order (JMO) that provides for the single submission of the Transit Admission Permit in lieu of the current CDC Import Permit, BOC’s Import Entry Declaration, and other documents like the Warehouse Entry, Transshipment Permit, and the Boatnote.
The CDC President also said the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and the JMO between the CDC, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SMBA), Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC), and the BOC assures the free flow of goods that are based on international standards.
