How to Register a Logistics Company in the Philippines

October 17, 2025

The logistics sector in the Philippines is a cornerstone of trade and commerce, driven by growing infrastructure and e-commerce demands. Entrepreneurs aiming to establish a logistics company must navigate a complex regulatory landscape to ensure compliance and operational success. This guide outlines the key steps for registering a logistics company in the Philippines, including selecting a business structure, obtaining government registrations, and acquiring specialized permits.

Choosing the Right Business Structure for Your Logistics Company

Selecting an appropriate business structure is critical for establishing a logistics company in the Philippines, as it affects liability, taxation, and scalability. Options include partnerships for collaborative ventures or corporations for larger operations, such as freight forwarding or customs brokerage. This choice influences capital requirements and regulatory obligations.

Partnership: Suitable for collaborative logistics ventures, where two or more parties share management and liabilities. Ideal for medium-sized firms focusing on trucking or courier services.
Domestic Corporation: Recommended for expansive operations such as international freight forwarding. It offers limited liability and requires at least five incorporators, making it an appealing option for investors.
Foreign Ownership Restrictions: Under the Foreign Investment Act, foreign equity is limited to 40% in certain logistics activities, unless the investment is qualified for incentives.
Capital Requirements: Domestic corporations are required to have a minimum paid-up capital of PHP 5,000. At the same time, foreign-owned entities typically need USD 200,000, which can be reduced to USD 100,000 for export-oriented or technology-driven operations.
Strategic Considerations: Evaluate growth goals to choose a structure that supports expansion, avoiding costly restructuring later.

This decision shapes subsequent registration steps, ensuring alignment with business objectives, whether for a trucking company or a courier service.

Registering Your Business Name and Entity

Formal registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) secures the business name and legal entity status for partnerships and corporations. This step is essential for registering a logistics business in the Philippines, as it protects the brand and enables the issuance of further permits.

SEC Registration for Corporations and Partnerships: Submit articles of incorporation, bylaws, and a treasurer’s affidavit via the SEC’s eSPARC system. Fees start at PHP 2,000 plus 1% of authorized capital stock.
Name Verification: Choose a unique, descriptive name incorporating terms like “logistics” or “freight” to reflect services, avoiding misleading terms to prevent rejection.
Required Documents: Provide valid IDs, proof of address, and a lease contract. Corporations need a bank certificate verifying 25% of subscribed capital.
Processing Timeline: SEC registration for a logistics company in the Philippines typically takes 1-2 weeks, with total costs up to PHP 10,000, including legal fees.
Benefits: The SEC certificate facilitates bank account openings and loan applications, which are vital for logistics firms in establishing credibility.

This step ensures legal recognition, which is vital for operations such as freight forwarding or customs brokerage.

Securing Tax Identification and Registration with the BIR

Tax compliance requires obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and registering with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). For those learning how to start a logistics company in the Philippines, this ensures adherence to fiscal obligations like income tax, value-added tax (VAT), and withholding taxes.

Obtaining a TIN: Apply at the Revenue District Office (RDO) using Form 1903 for corporations or partnerships, submitting SEC certificates and IDs. This is free and immediate.
BIR Registration Process: File for authority to print receipts, register books of accounts, and pay documentary stamp taxes. Corporations submit audited financial statements annually.
Applicable Taxes: Logistics companies are subject to a 25% corporate income tax and a 12% VAT on gross receipts exceeding PHP 3 million annually, as well as percentage taxes for smaller operations.
Logistics-Specific Taxes: Freight forwarding involves excise taxes on imports, while trucking services may claim input VAT credits on fuel.
Costs and Timeline: Registration fees include PHP 500 for the certificate, with processing taking 3-5 days. Annual renewals are mandatory.

BIR registration for a logistics company in the Philippines prevents penalties up to PHP 50,000 and supports government bidding eligibility.

Obtaining Local Government Permits and Clearances

Local government units (LGUs) require barangay clearances and mayor’s permits to ensure compliance with community and zoning regulations. These are essential steps to register a logistics company in the Philippines, particularly for businesses with warehouses or vehicle depots.

Barangay Clearance: Apply at the barangay hall with your SEC registration, lease contract, and a fee of PHP 100-500, confirming community approval.
Mayor’s Permit: Submit to the city/municipal hall with sanitary permits, fire safety certificates, and environmental clearances. Fees are 0.5-1% of capital investment.
Zoning Compliance: Ensure logistics hubs comply with urban zoning regulations, particularly in cities such as Manila or Cebu, to avoid potential conflicts.
Supporting Documents: Include employee health certificates, police clearances, and waste management plans.
Renewal Requirements: Annual renewals involve updated financials and inspections to maintain operational continuity.

These permits ensure smooth operations, such as vehicle routing in urban areas.

Acquiring Industry-Specific Licenses and Permits

Logistics operations require specialized permits tailored to specific subsectors, such as trucking, courier services, or freight forwarding. The requirements for starting a logistics company in the Philippines include obtaining approvals from relevant agencies, such as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) or the Bureau of Customs. The complexity of these processes, involving multiple agencies and detailed documentation, underscores the importance of professional assistance from trusted providers like Triple i Consulting to avoid delays and ensure compliance.

LTFRB Franchise for Trucking: Apply for a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), submitting vehicle registrations, insurance, and a business plan. Fees start at PHP 5,000, with processing taking months due to hearings.
Courier Company Permits: Register with the Philippine Postal Corporation or obtain a delivery service license, emphasizing adherence to security standards.
Freight Forwarding and Customs Brokerage: Obtain Bureau of Customs accreditation, requiring a broker’s license exam and a PHP 100,000 surety bond.
Additional Permits: Warehousing requires DENR environmental permits, and international operations require registration with the Philippine Shippers’ Bureau.
Challenges and Timelines: Approvals typically take 3-6 months, with incomplete applications increasing the risk of rejection. Precision is critical for logistics license requirements in the Philippines.

Triple i Consulting’s expertise simplifies these complexities, ensuring efficient permit acquisition.

Ensuring Compliance with Capital, Tax, and Operational Requirements

Ongoing compliance involves meeting capital thresholds, tax obligations, and operational standards. Logistics company capital requirements in the Philippines support investments in vehicles and technology, while tax compliance ensures fiscal responsibility.

Capital Requirements: Corporations are required to have at least PHP 5,000 domestically or USD 200,000 for foreign entities, which is reducible for export-oriented firms.
Tax Obligations: File quarterly VAT returns, annual income taxes, and withhold employee taxes. Incentives under the CREATE Act apply to export services.
Operational Standards: Register with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG for employee benefits, essential for drivers and staff.
Insurance and Safety: Implement mandatory vehicle insurance and safety protocols to mitigate transportation risks.
Audits and Penalties: Regular audits ensure compliance, with fines up to PHP 100,000 for violations.

Sustained compliance supports competitiveness in the logistics market.

Wrapping Up

Registering a logistics company in the Philippines requires careful navigation of regulatory steps, from selecting a business structure to securing specialized permits. Compliance positions businesses to capitalize on the country’s growing logistics sector, driven by advancements in trade and infrastructure. Entrepreneurs who follow these steps can establish robust operations poised for success.

Is Assistance Available?

Yes, Triple i Consulting can help streamline the registration process for your logistics company. With expertise in Philippine regulations, this trusted provider ensures efficient compliance and minimizes setbacks. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with one of our experts: