How to Import Products in the Philippines: A Guide to Successful Importation and Compliance

September 18, 2025

Importing products into the Philippines provides access to a thriving market, diversified supply chains, and business expansion opportunities for both local and international companies. However, the country’s import procedures are governed by detailed regulations and practical hurdles, from documentation and customs clearances to tariffs, permits, and transport logistics. This comprehensive guide breaks down each critical step in the process, helps businesses avoid common pitfalls, and explains how expert services like Triple i Consulting can streamline importation and ensure full compliance.

Understanding the Import Process in the Philippines

For enterprises seeking to import products into the Philippines, understanding the process is the first step to avoiding costly mistakes or shipment delays. The country’s import system is governed principally by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), which enforces customs laws and collects tariffs and taxes. Importers must know different transportation options, licensing requirements, tariffs, and documentation to ensure a seamless transaction.

The import process begins before goods arrive at a Philippine port or airport. Careful planning, product classification, compliance research, and logistics arrangement are necessary for every successful import window.

Choosing Import Methods: Air vs. Sea Freight

Businesses can bring goods into the Philippines by air or sea, with each option presenting distinct advantages and costs.

Air Shipping

Air freight is the fastest but typically more expensive method for importing products, best suited to time-sensitive or high-value shipments. Cargo usually enters via major airports such as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, with additional facilities in Cebu and Davao. Rates generally range from $4 to $8 per kilogram depending on volume, route, and handling requirements.

Smaller businesses or those shipping high-value, low-volume products often choose air shipping despite the higher costs for its quick turnaround and lower risk of freight loss or damage.

Sea Shipping

Due to its lower per-unit cost, sea shipping is preferred for bulk shipments and less time-sensitive goods. Most sea containers arrive through Manila, Cebu, Subic, or Batangas ports. Standard container sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot, with costs between $1,000 and $4,000 depending on size and origin.

While sea shipping offers substantial savings, businesses should plan for longer lead times—anywhere between 2 and 8 weeks. Sea freight is well-suited for large volumes, raw materials, and products where shipping speed is less critical.

Key Considerations: Tariffs and Duties

One of the most important aspects of importing products to the Philippines is calculating and paying applicable tariffs and duties.

Tariff Rates: The Philippines enforces tariffs based on the international Harmonized System (HS) Code. Rates typically range from 0% to 20%, with raw materials, capital equipment, and certain ASEAN-origin goods enjoying reduced or zero duties.
Product-Specific Rates: Common consumer items, such as electronics, food, and cosmetics, face tariffs of 3% to 10%, while textiles and garments may incur rates of 5% to 15%. Luxury items and regulated goods may attract higher duties.
ASEAN Free Trade Agreements: Goods imported from ASEAN countries may benefit from reduced tariffs, so always verify with the Philippine Tariff Finder and the product’s Certificate of Origin.

Customs Clearance and Essential Documentation

Securing customs clearance in the Philippines is a regulatory necessity governed by the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reviews and approves all incoming shipments. Importers must prepare and submit a comprehensive set of documents to facilitate clearance:

Import Entry Declaration: An electronic form declaring shipment contents and total value.
Commercial Invoice: A detailed bill from the exporter listing product descriptions and values.
Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: Official shipping documents from sea freight carriers or airlines.
Packing List: Inventory of all goods and items within each container or shipment.
Import Permit or License: Special approval needed for regulated products (e.g., chemicals, foods, pharmaceuticals), which must be secured from agencies such as the FDA or DENR.
Certificate of Origin: This document confirms the source of goods for tariff determination, and it is especially relevant for items covered by Free Trade Agreements.
Customs Bond: Financial guarantee intended to cover potential duties, taxes, or penalties.

BOC Accreditation

To participate in international trade, importers must be accredited with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Accredited importers benefit from the BOC’s Electronic-to-Mobile (E2M) system, which enables streamlined digital document submission, payment, and shipment tracking.

Professional customs brokers are valuable partners in guiding importers through the regulatory maze, ensuring proper document submission, and minimizing clearance delays.

The Import Permit: Unlocking Compliance and Avoiding Delays

For many products, especially chemicals, electronics, autos, pharmaceuticals, and food, obtaining the necessary import permit or license is legally required. The process varies by product type and regulatory agency, but usually involves:

Submitting product samples or documentation for review.
Completing agency-specific application forms.
Paying applicable fees or bonds.
Undergoing inspections or laboratory testing.

Securing the proper permit avoids customs seizures, shipment delays, and heavy penalties. Businesses should check requirements with sector-specific agencies and apply well before their shipments’ estimated arrival.

Transport and Logistics: From Port to Warehouse

Once imported goods are cleared by customs, businesses must manage their onward transportation—whether from seaports or airports.

Sea Freight Logistics

Goods arriving at seaports require clearance from customs and payment of port-related fees, including terminal handling, container cleaning, and trucking charges. Trucking costs typically range from ₱5,000 to ₱15,000 per trip, depending on distance.

Air Freight Logistics

Handling fees for air freight are higher than for ocean cargo, attributed to faster service requirements and airport logistics. Professional logistics companies can streamline the transport of goods from airport customs to company warehouses or retail distribution centers.

Tips for Successful Importation

Navigating the regulatory environment and practical logistics effectively requires preparation and ongoing compliance. Key tips include:

Accurate Product Classification: Use the correct HS code to prevent disputes or extra fees.
Understand All Licenses and Permits: Many goods require special approvals—check with the FDA, DENR, or other relevant bodies.
Budget for All Costs: Include tariffs, taxes, transport, and handling fees in planning.
Prepare for Variable Lead Times: Plan for fluctuations in transit based on external factors like seasonality and port congestion.
Hire Professionals: Work with customs brokers and freight forwarders to avoid documentation errors and compliance risks.

The Step-by-Step Importation Process

A structured approach ensures quicker customs clearance, reduced penalties, and effective market entry for imported products. Here is the process:

Secure BOC and BIR Accreditation

Identify Product and HS Code

Classify the product using the appropriate Harmonized System Code for tariffs and regulatory compliance.

Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

Check if your product requires specialized import permits or agency licenses and secure these before shipment.

Choose Shipping Method and Arrange Logistics

Decide between air or sea freight based on cost, lead time, and shipment volume. Coordinate with logistics providers to determine the most suitable arrangement.

Prepare Import Documentation

Complete and collect all necessary documents, including import entry, commercial invoice, bill of lading/airway bill, packing list, and certificates as appropriate.

Submit Documents via the E2M System

Use the Bureau of Customs’ Electronic-to-Mobile platform to submit documents and pay duties and taxes.

Engage with a Customs Broker

Hire a licensed customs broker to facilitate clearance, ensure compliance, and handle port or airport documentation.

Clear Customs and Arrange Delivery

Upon approval, organize transport from the port or airport to your final destination, factoring in port handling fees and local trucking costs.

Maintain Compliance Records

Document the entire process and retain records for future audits, compliance checks, and subsequent importations.

Final Insights

Importing products into the Philippines is a multifaceted process involving regulatory knowledge, operational planning, and ongoing compliance. Companies that approach it with due diligence, supported by professional customs brokers and business consultants, gain smoother market access and greater profitability.

Is Assistance Available?

Yes. Triple i Consulting offers complete import consulting solutions, helping businesses secure permits, register for BOC accreditation, manage documentation, and optimize shipping logistics for success in the Philippine market. Experienced consultants assist with site-specific requirements, minimizing delays and optimizing cost efficiency. Schedule a consultation with our team to get started: