CM 212C

• What section outlines the ports open to vessels and aircrafts engaged in foreign trade?

  Sec. 1201
• What is required of vessels and aircrafts arriving from foreign ports in the Philippines?

  They must dock at the designated port of entry and are subject to the authority of the District Collector.
• What section discusses the control of customs officers over incoming vessels?

  Sec. 1202
• Who is allowed to board or leave a vessel engaged in foreign trade upon its arrival?

  Only the pilot, consul, quarantine officers, customs officers, or other duly authorized persons with permission from the customs officer.
• What is the distance unauthorized vessels must maintain from a vessel engaged in foreign trade?

  At least fifty (50) meters.
• What documents must the master present upon entry of a vessel engaged in foreign trade?

  The vessel’s general declaration, original manifest of all cargoes, and one of the three copies of the original manifest.
• What is included in the documents to be produced by the master upon entry of a vessel?

  A cargo stowage plan, store list, passengers list, crew list, original cargo manifest, passenger manifest, bill of lading, and other related documents.
• What does Sec. 1204 mandate regarding manifests for vessels arriving from foreign ports?

  All vessels must carry detailed manifests including cargo, passenger, and sea stores lists.
• What must be included in the cargo manifest according to Sec. 1204?


  A complete list of all cargo on board, specifying the port of departure, destination, quantity, description, and consignee for each item.
• What is required if a vessel carries no cargo or passengers?

  The manifest must explicitly state that the vessel is empty.
• What is required for electronic manifest submission?

  Shipping companies, NVOCCs, freight forwarders, and cargo consolidators must electronically submit a complete cargo manifest in advance.
• What must be done with the cargo manifest upon arrival?

  Two hard copies must be provided to customs authorities at the Port of Manila or Manila International Container Port, and one copy for other ports.
• How are manifest amendments handled according to Sec. 1204?

  Changes to the manifest require written approval under oath and are generally not allowed except in cases of clerical errors.
• What must accompany the cargo manifest if it is originally written in another language?

  A translation in English.
• What must the master present to the District Collector upon arrival of a vessel from a foreign port?

  The original copy of the cargo manifest properly endorsed by the boarding officer, along with the ship's register and other documents.
• What must the master of a Philippine vessel returning from abroad produce regarding the crew?

  The entire crew listed in the vessel’s shipping crew manifest.
• What proof must the master provide if a crew member is missing?

  Proof satisfactory to the District Collector that the member has died, absconded, been forcibly impressed into another service, or has been discharged.
• What must be recorded in every customs district regarding vessels and aircraft?

  The date of arrival and entry of all vessels and aircraft.
• What happens if a vessel or aircraft attempts to depart before entry is made?

  The District Collector may cause the arrest and bring back such vessel or aircraft to the most convenient port.
• What is allowed to be discharged upon permit granted by the District Collector?

  Ballast of no commercial value.
• What is required for unloading cargo during official nonworking hours?


  Payment of service fees by shipping lines, airlines, or other interested parties at rates prescribed by the Commissioner.
• What must the master file within 24 hours if a vessel docks at a port other than its destination due to necessity?

  A sworn protest detailing the reasons for the docking.
• What must be reported if any cargo was unloaded or lost due to necessity?

  The master must report it within the same timeframe and provide proof.
• What can the District Collector do if a vessel must unload while in port?

  The District Collector can grant a permit for unloading, with customs officers supervising the process.
• What is the requirement for the entry and clearance of transport or supply ships of a foreign government?

  It shall be in accordance with the agreement between the Philippines and the foreign government.
• What documents must be presented before clearance is granted to a vessel bound for a foreign port?

  Properly authenticated documents including a bill of health, copies of the manifest of export cargo, and a passengers list.
• What must a vessel have before it can sail for a foreign port?

  A certificate from the Philippine Postal Corporation confirming it received timely notice of the vessel's departure.
• What happens if the master or agent refuses to transport mail bags from the Philippine Postal Corporation?

  The District Collector will not allow the vessel to depart.
• What is the role of the Board of Referees in the context of vessel clearance?

  They determine a fair rate for the transportation of mail bags if compensation cannot be agreed upon.
• What must District Collectors do regarding vessels designed for warlike purposes?

  They must detain or report any such vessel if it is about to leave the Philippines with a cargo mainly consisting of arms and munitions.
• What must the master of a departing vessel state under oath?

  That all cargoes destined for the Philippines have been duly discharged or accounted for, and that no unstamped letters or packets will be accepted.
• What must the master indicate at the time of clearance?

  The time of intended departure.
• What happens if a vessel remains in port forty-eight hours after the indicated time of departure?

  The master must report to the District Collector for an extension of time of departure.
• What are vessels and aircrafts engaged in foreign trade required to visit?

  Designated ports of entry.
• Who has authority over vessels while within the jurisdiction of a designated port?

  The District Collector of the port.
• Who is allowed to board or leave a vessel without permission from the customs officer?

  The pilot, consul, quarantine officers, customs officers, or other duly authorized persons.
• What type of documents must the master present upon entry of a vessel?

  Certified documents.
• What is included in the cargo stowage plan?

  A detailed layout of how cargo is stored on the vessel.
• What is the purpose of the store list?

  To provide a detailed account of all stores on board the vessel.
• What is the purpose of the passengers list?

  To provide a comprehensive list of all passengers on board.