Delay and operational challenge of Japan-Philippine EPA

On Dec. 11, 2008, Japan-Philippine EPA will be on effective. However, according to Japanese METI web site, it was notice by Philippine government that they face operational delay in Philippine side and some operations are not in time for Dec. 11.

1) Delay of issue of Country of Origin.
Philippine will NOT issue Country of Origin ("C/O") in time for Dec. 11. The possible starting date is unknown.

2) Quota for steel products will NOT be ready
Japan-Philippine EPA have quota with zero duty in importing into Philippine for HS7208, 7209, 7210, and 7212 steel products. However, the Philippine side is not ready for operation of this quota by Dec. 11.

3) No refund of duty
If the normal rate of duty was paid in importing into Philippine, and it was simply because C/O was not ready, the difference of preferential duty and normal duty will NOT be refunded.

(Source: METI web site: http://www.meti.go.jp/policy/trade_policy/epa/html2/081209%20JPEPA.pdf )