2006-12-18
New Regulations on Foreign Donations
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has issued a new set of rules on foreign donations, the Philippine Consulate General announced today. These new rules, which amend Sec. 105 (I) of the revised Philippine Tariff and Customs Code, are contained in Administrative Order No. 19, series of 2002. The new rules are intended to strictly regulate and monitor donations of imported articles to duly accredited relief organizations to ensure that these articles are received exclusively and entirely by the intended beneficiaries and do not find their way in the open market for sale.
Among the more significant changes introduced by the new rules are as follows:
a) For donation of medicines, a certification by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) of the Department of Health (DOH) is required, stating the purpose of the medicines and the fact that the same may be used by the intended beneficiaries without the need of a prior prescription;
b) Goods shall be for free distribution exclusively to the identified clients of the duly registered relief organizations; and
c) Donation/importation of used clothing shall be strictly prohibited in order to safeguard the health of the people and maintain the dignity of the nation; and
d) Only duly registered relief organizations may apply for a certification for duty free of foreign donations.
For questions or comments, please call the Philippine Consulate General at (416) 922-7181, ext. 28 or 29
( originally posted on 18 March 2002 )