BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
DOF Opens Accreditation For VAT Refund System Operators
Photo credit: DOF
The Department of Finance (DOF) has officially opened applications for the pre-qualification of Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refund System Operators, marking a key step in rolling out the Philippines’ new VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists.
The initiative is part of Republic Act No. 12079, or the “Act Creating a VAT Refund Mechanism for Non-Resident Tourists,” which mandates the DOF to engage a reputable, globally recognized VAT Refund Service Operator (VRS) to design and operate a fully digital refund system. The goal: make it easier for foreign tourists to claim VAT refunds on goods bought in the Philippines—enhancing the country’s appeal as a shopping and travel destination.
According to the DOF’s official invitation for accreditation, the VAT Refund System (VRS) will serve as an end-to-end digital platform enabling eligible tourists to file refund claims swiftly and securely. The selected operator will handle the system’s design, development, and daily operations, including digital tools for tourists, validation mechanisms, data reporting, and secure payment processing through cards or digital wallets.
The VRS operator will also accredit participating stores, provide training and marketing support, and ensure strict data protection compliance in accordance with the Data Privacy Act. The platform will operate under a “traveler-pay model,” where a minimal service fee is deducted from each refund.
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify, interested companies must:
• Operate VAT refund services in at least 20 countries or regions;
• Have a minimum of five years of experience in VAT refund operations;
• Manage digital, end-to-end systems in at least two major geographic regions; and
• Hold valid ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and ISO/IEC 9001:2015 certifications for information security and quality management.
Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent and complete documentary requirements in person to the VAT Refund Operator Accreditation Committee (VROAC) Secretariat at the DOF Building, BSP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila, no later than November 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
Within seven working days of submission, the committee will evaluate whether an applicant meets the pre-qualification standards and issue a written notice of the results.
Interested parties can access the full accreditation guidelines via the official DOF website at dof.gov.ph and may direct inquiries to vrsaccreditation@dof.gov.ph.
Through this initiative, the government seeks to deliver a faster, more transparent, and tourist-friendly VAT refund process, aligning the Philippines with international best practices and boosting its image as one of Asia’s most welcoming shopping destinations.
The initiative is part of Republic Act No. 12079, or the “Act Creating a VAT Refund Mechanism for Non-Resident Tourists,” which mandates the DOF to engage a reputable, globally recognized VAT Refund Service Operator (VRS) to design and operate a fully digital refund system. The goal: make it easier for foreign tourists to claim VAT refunds on goods bought in the Philippines—enhancing the country’s appeal as a shopping and travel destination.
According to the DOF’s official invitation for accreditation, the VAT Refund System (VRS) will serve as an end-to-end digital platform enabling eligible tourists to file refund claims swiftly and securely. The selected operator will handle the system’s design, development, and daily operations, including digital tools for tourists, validation mechanisms, data reporting, and secure payment processing through cards or digital wallets.
The VRS operator will also accredit participating stores, provide training and marketing support, and ensure strict data protection compliance in accordance with the Data Privacy Act. The platform will operate under a “traveler-pay model,” where a minimal service fee is deducted from each refund.
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify, interested companies must:
• Operate VAT refund services in at least 20 countries or regions;
• Have a minimum of five years of experience in VAT refund operations;
• Manage digital, end-to-end systems in at least two major geographic regions; and
• Hold valid ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and ISO/IEC 9001:2015 certifications for information security and quality management.
Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent and complete documentary requirements in person to the VAT Refund Operator Accreditation Committee (VROAC) Secretariat at the DOF Building, BSP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila, no later than November 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
Within seven working days of submission, the committee will evaluate whether an applicant meets the pre-qualification standards and issue a written notice of the results.
Interested parties can access the full accreditation guidelines via the official DOF website at dof.gov.ph and may direct inquiries to vrsaccreditation@dof.gov.ph.
Through this initiative, the government seeks to deliver a faster, more transparent, and tourist-friendly VAT refund process, aligning the Philippines with international best practices and boosting its image as one of Asia’s most welcoming shopping destinations.
Nov 12, 2025
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