A member enjoys the stature and prestige of being a part of one of the biggest and dominant jewelry associations in the country, Guild of Philippine Jewellers, Inc.
A member enjoys the international recognition of Guild's affiliation with the World Gold Council, Belgian Diamond High Council, Israel Diamond Institute, De Beers, Gemological Institute of America and the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI).
A member receives an endorsement from the Guild in its application for accreditation to Republic Act 8502, otherwise known as the “Jewelry Industry Development Act of 1998”, which provides for the following development incentives:
- Entitlement to zero (0) duty on imported raw materials
- Exemption from the imposition of excise tax
- Entitlement to zero (0) duty on imported capital equipment
- Additional deduction from taxable income of fifty percent (50%) of expenses incurred in training schemes
- Gold and silver sales by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas under minimal margins;
- Authority to buy gold and silver directly from other sources without any specific authority from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
- Inclusion of locally manufactured jewelry products in the government's tourist duty free shops, including the promotion, advertisement, and sale of jewelry products; and
- Qualified Jewelry Enterprise availing of incentives provided under R.A. 8502 shall still be eligible to incentives provided for by other special laws such as:
1. Republic Act No. 7844 (Export Development Act of 1994)
2. Republic Act No. 7916 (Special Economic Zone of 1995)
3. Executive Order No. 226 (BOI Omnibus Investment Code)
A member is automatically a Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) member upon payment of Guild's annual dues. PHILEXPORT is the umbrella organization of Philippine exporters accredited under the Export Development Act (EDA) of 1994. It is a non-stock, non-profit private organization mandated to strengthen the country's export industry through its export promotion and development programs. PHILEXPORT services include the following:
- Trade and advisory facilitation, buyer-seller matching, financing, referral, training
- Regional/sectoral support funds, trade fair participation, technical assistance, specialized training programs, seminars and workshops
- Support for Trade and Investment policy analysis and advocacy, information collection and dissemination
- Assistance to import-export procedures and documentation for customs bonded warehousing
- Assistance to export documentation and clearances
1. What is RA 8502?A: The Jewelry industry Development Act of 1998 or better known as R.A 8502, is an act to promote the development of the manufacturing jewelry industry by providing incentives thereof.
2. What are the benefits of RA8502?A:
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- Entitlement to zero (0) duty on imported raw materials and capital equipment
- Exemption from the imposition of excise tax which is 20%
- Additional deduction from taxable income of fifty percent (50%) of expenses incurred in training schemes
- Gold and silver sales by the Philippine Central Bank under minimal requirements
3. Who is qualified for the benefits of RA 8502?
A: A jewelry company that is accredited with the Bureau of Customs’ Interim Customs Accreditation Registration Unit or ICARE and Board of Investments or BOI
4. How to avail of the RA 8502?
A: A jewelry company should be a member from any of the jewelry associations in the Philippines, i.e. GPJI. Once a member, you may now start processing your ICARE and BOI accreditations as provided by your association with the following requirements for each agency. ICARE Certification should be secured first prior to accreditation with the Board of Investments, as part of its documentary requirements. Each agency has different requirements for strict compliance.
A company pays excise tax upon transfer of the newly made item from the workshop to the selling area. It is non-refundable unlike VAT.
A: As a Guild member, your initial processing will be handled by the Guild staff. This includes administrative fee.
Application Forms for RA 8502 and iCare
Application Forms for VAT Zero Rate
Republic Act No. 8502
