Philippines mandates fuel markers for imported products

To cut revenue losses from oil smuggling, the Philippine Department of Finance has ordered the use of chemical markers on imported petroleum products that are exempt from excise tax and duties. Department Order No. 23-2007 states that kerosene, which is exempted from excise taxes, and diesel fuel imported by duty-exempt locators in special economic zones, should have the special markers. The agency said the use of chemical markers on oil imports would be pilot-tested at the Subic Freeport, Clark Special Economic Zone and the Port of Batangas. Oil imported by economic-zone locators, which are allowed to import capital goods without duties as a reward for their dollar contributions to the economy, are not allowed to be consumed outside the economic zone or free-port zone. (August 9, 2007)