1. The Department General of Customs and Excise (DGCE) typically requires exporters to submit a Request Letter to start the export process. There is no official Request Letter format but the letter should have basic export information. A hand written note on a commercial invoice is sometimes sufficient. Once received, the DGCE will assess export duty (if any) and issue a Permission Letter, which allows the export process to move forward. The Permission Letter format is also not standardized and can range from a formal letter to a signature and stamp on the exporter’s Request Letter. DGCE operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at the seaport. A Sub-Decree prescribes an 8-hour workday including public holidays that can be 2. To receive a Permission Letter, the exporter first needs to submit a Request for Export Letter along with the following supporting documents: Packing List, Commercial Invoice, VAT Identity Number or a Business License, and a Customs Declaration (in process).However, if the service of a customs broker or freight forwarder is used, Customs officials would require an Authorization Letter, which is typically provided by the broker or freight forwarder. Customs Brokers prepare customs documentation and clear goods through customs.
