Additional Position on Comprehensive Import Surveillance Scheme (CISS) by these Chambers of Commerce

February 1992 -- The following Chambers of Commerce continue to support the globalized pre-inspection of imports in order to prevent misdeclaration of imports and therefore help raise customs revenues.

We understand that the new global CISS system will be implemented on 16 March 1992, and that the Department of Justice has under review whether the administration can, by Executive Action, implement the Fair Market Value (FMV) method as opposed to Home Consumption Value as the basis for duty evaluation.

We believe that the Fair Market Value defined as the Brussel’s method of valuation should be used in order to have the least disruptive effect on the Philippine economy as well as ensure that the Philippine system uses the same valuation method used by most other CISS countries in the world.

We strongly urge the Department of Justice to issue a favorable ruling prior to the implementing date of 16 March 1992 or suspend implementation of the new systems until such a ruling is made. We firmly believe that the government has the legal authority to implement the Fair Market Value method by Executive Action.

THOMAS J. LEBER
President, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.

JOSE T. PARDO
President, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry

CHARLES SEARBY
President, Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (Philippines) Inc. 

EDUARDO R. ALVAREZ
President, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines

DIETER LEHMANN
President, European Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines

RICARDO J. ROMULO
Chairman, Makati Business Club