Tax Alert No. 52 [Revenue Memorandum Circular 112-2021 dated 6 September 2021, released on 10 November 2021]

Clarifying the list of imported articles that no longer require the issuance of Authority to Release Imported Goods (ATRIG) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue prior to release from the custody of the Bureau of Customs 

The Commissioner of Internal Revenue has issued RMC 112-2021 which clarified that the issuance of an ATRIG shall no longer be necessary for the importation of perishable agricultural food products, such as unprocessed vegetables, fruits and nuts, which are exempt from VAT pursuant to Section 109(1)(A) of the Tax Code, as amended.

However, pending resolution on the taxability of certain imported articles and issuance of clear guidelines, ATRIG shall still be secured for the following articles until a supplemental circular is issued:

1. Feed and feed ingredient;
2. Fertilizers; and
3. Articles subject to excise tax as well on the raw materials, apparatus, or mechanical contrivances, and equipment specifically used for the manufacture thereof.