Philippine exporters and logistics players are being urged to closely track fast-moving developments affecting trade flows to the Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as authorities roll out stopgap measures to keep cargo moving despite regional disruptions.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued an advisory calling on exporters to proactively coordinate with shipping lines and logistics providers to safeguard the timely and secure delivery of goods bound for the UAE and neighboring Gulf markets.
The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Dubai said recent adjustments stem from heightened tensions in the region and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz, prompting governments and port operators to activate contingency protocols.
Among the measures is a “green corridor” jointly implemented by Dubai Customs and Oman’s customs authority, allowing faster clearance through advance cargo data submission.
A new multimodal route linking Sharjah and Dammam has also been launched, integrating land and sea transport to bypass chokepoints.
Shipments initially destined for Dubai are being diverted to Khorfakkan and Fujairah, where streamlined handling and bonded trucking enable onward movement to Jebel Ali and nearby free zones without full clearance at the port of discharge, helping reduce delays and congestion.
Separately, the DTI’s Export Assistance Helpdesk outlined a key remedy for shipments returned due to the crisis.
Under Section 800(u) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, previously exported goods may be re-imported free of duties and taxes, provided they remain unaltered and identifiable.
Exporters must file applications through the Department of Finance’s Tax Exemption System Lite and comply with prescribed procedures.
