On 18 March 2021, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 21-09, Series of 2021 entitled “Deferring the Implementation of the Specific Provision of the Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 18-04.”DAO No. 18-04, 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” prohibits the importation of non-Euro 4 standard parts and components for rebuilding purposes.

As stated in MC 21-09, the implementation of DAO 18-04 is further deferred for the duration and subsistence of the national health emergency brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and one (1) year after the emergency is lifted. MC 21-09 took effect immediately following its publication in the Philippine Star on 18 March 2021.

DTI reported that this is the second time that the implementation of the said DAO has been deferred. The first deferment was due to the lack of qualified Euro 4 skilled technicians considering the limited availability of training for Euro 4 during that time.

Pursuant to the said MC, the accredited truck rebuilders will continue to be granted Certificate of Authority to Import (CAI) for the importation of non-Euro 4 standard Completely Knocked Down (CKD)’s, in consideration of the disruptions brought about by the pandemic, and the challenges of implementing a face-to-face training program in light of the strict observance of health protocols throughout the country. The extension period is subject to review and may be shortened when it is determined that the critical number of trained personnel has been achieved before the expiration of the period.

“Our Import Regulation Division (IRD) disseminated a copy of the MC to our stakeholders, particularly to accredited rebuilding centers for their reference and proper information,” said DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) Director Ronnel O. Abrenica.

For more information regarding this MC and other issuances, you may visit the DTI website at www.dti.gov.ph or may call Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or email at consumercare@dti.gov.ph for questions or clarifications. ♦

Date of Release: 5 May 2021