DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES ENGINEERING9th Floor, Two Cyberpod Centris, EDSA cor., Quezon Avenue, Brgy. Pinyahan , Quezon City | +639566553434/+639284301651
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES ENGINEERING9th Floor, Two Cyberpod Centris, EDSA cor., Quezon Avenue, Brgy. Pinyahan , Quezon City | +639566553434/+639284301651
In a significant step toward advancing agricultural modernization and strengthening regulatory oversight, the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE), has intensified its collaboration with the Department of Finance – Bureau of Customs (BOC) for the development of a Joint Administrative Circular (JAC) governing the importation of agricultural and biosystems machinery.
The proposed circular, titled “Guidelines on the Implementation of RA 10601 on the Submission of Permit to Operate of Importers of Agricultural and Biosystems Machinery as a Requirement for Importation,” is currently being endorsed for approval. It operationalizes key provisions of Republic Act No. 10601, or the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) Law, which aims to modernize the country’s agriculture and fisheries sectors through mechanization and improved access to appropriate technologies.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that the entry of agricultural machinery into the country is guided by a clear, consistent, and enforceable regulatory framework. By requiring importers to secure and submit a valid Permit to Operate (PTO) prior to importation, the JAC seeks to promote accountability while safeguarding the integrity and quality of machinery circulating in the domestic market.
Driving Policy Alignment and Modernization
The JAC is designed to align regulatory processes with broader government fiscal policies and trade facilitation objectives, ensuring that efficiency at the borders does not come at the expense of compliance and quality standards. It also reinforces the shared mandate of the DA and BOC to protect local stakeholders while enabling access to modern agricultural technologies that can boost productivity and competitiveness.
Among its primary objectives are:
Key Provisions to Enhance Oversight
Central to the circular is the requirement for importers to present a valid PTO issued by the DA as a prerequisite for importation. This measure ensures that only duly registered and compliant entities are allowed to bring in agricultural machinery, reducing risks associated with substandard or unregulated equipment.
The guidelines also emphasize coordinated implementation between the DA-BAFE and BOC, enabling real-time verification and more efficient processing of importation requirements. This collaborative approach is expected to improve monitoring mechanisms and strengthen overall regulatory oversight at ports of entry.
Whole-of-Government Approach
The drafting of the JAC reflects a whole-of-government approach, with key officials from both agencies actively contributing to policy development. A recent coordination meeting brought together senior representatives, including (from left to right in the photo):
Their participation highlights the strong inter-agency commitment to crafting a policy that is responsive to industry needs while upholding regulatory standards.
Toward a More Competitive Agricultural Sector
Once approved and implemented, the Joint Administrative Circular is expected to contribute to a more competitive and resilient agricultural sector by ensuring that imported machinery meets established standards and is handled by qualified importers. It also supports the broader goal of empowering Filipino farmers and fishers with reliable, efficient, and modern equipment.
The DA and BOC remain steadfast in their partnership as they move toward finalizing the circular, reinforcing their shared vision of a modernized agriculture sector supported by transparent governance and efficient trade systems.
