Car battery, telecom device makers seek tariff changes

Manufacturers of telecommunication and electric equipment asked the Tariff Commission in a public hearing on Friday to reduce duties on raw materials, while a group of car battery makers sought tariff protection from imports. The positions were submitted on the last day of marathon consultations for the Comprehensive Tariff Review, an exercise that will eventually put in place the country’s 2011-2015 tariff structure for goods traded outside preferential agreements. The Tariff Commission will be gathering comments made at the weeklong hearing and position papers submitted until February 26 before it forwards its recommendation to the interagency Committee on Tariff and Related Matters. A new executive order, however, will likely be released only by the third quarter when the new administration will have settled in after elections in May. The Philippine Association of Battery Manufacturers asked for higher tariffs on competing imports of "electric accumulators" or car batteries, now at 3–15 percent. The group did not specify the rate increase it wants. Two manufacturers, meanwhile, asked for lower tariffs on raw materials that are not locally made. Philippine Electric Corp., a maker of electric transformers, sought lower tariffs on metal wires other than those used for motor vehicles. The tariff rate on these items stands at 7 percent. Zialcita and Co., Inc. which makes telecommunication equipment, meanwhile, sought lower tariff on fused tubes and fiber optic connectors for telecommunication accessories. Firms with interests in goods falling under Tariff Customs Code chapters 84-97, which cover machinery, transport and other products, have until February 26 to submit their position papers. — Jessica Anne D. Hermosa, BusinessWorld