Philippines import guidelines | Moving Customs Regulations

USED HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

NO TAX EXEMPTION (DUTIES APPLY)

Documents Required

– Passport
– Signed seaway bill copy (FCL/LCL)
– Air Waybill (AWB) – air
– Detailed Inventory list in English “clear copy”
– Authorization letter (AR to provide)
– Affidavit of shipment’s ownership
– TIN card copy
– Copy of Certificate of employment (COE)

Specific Information

All incoming shipments are subject to the payment of duties and taxes.

– (duties and taxes are subject to customs assessment)
– (15% duties based on customs blue book value + 12% VAT)

ALL household goods incoming shipments are subject to customs x-ray / scanning. Once they detect prohibited items shipment will be subject for 100% customs examination.

– Customs only allow 15 calendar days for releasing. After 15 calendar days the shipment will automatically be tagged as abandoned. AR will then need to process lifting of abandonment which will be an additional cost of 20 000php at cost. (note that this is an unreceipted charge) cost will be charged to the client.
– Prepay THC to avoid delays (in order to receive the delivery order from the shipping line)
– Car shipments for Private individuals should not be shipped. Calculated at 130% of the sales invoice of the vehicle.

For air shipments

Customs clearance with a direct payment of duties taxes 4 to 5 working days from the date of arrival of the shipment.

All air shipments are subject to airport storage starting from the arrival date of the cargo.

For less than container load (LCL) shipments

Customs clearance with a direct payment of duties takes approximately 5 to 7 working days from the transfer of shipments to the Customs bonded warehouse.

For full container load (FCL) shipments

Customs clearancewith a direct payment of duties takes approximately 5 to 7 working days from the date of arrival of the shipment.

ALL household goods incoming shipments are subject to customs x-ray / scanning. Once they detect prohibited items shipment will be subject for 100% customs examination.

– Customs only allow 15 calendar days for releasing. After 15 calendar days the shipment will automatically be tagged as abandoned. AR will then need to process lifting of abandonment which will be an additional cost of 20 000php at cost. (note that this is an unreceipted charge) cost will be charged to the client.
– Prepay THC to avoid delays (in order to receive the delivery order from the shipping line)
– Car shipments for Private individuals should not be shipped. Calculated at 130% of the sales invoice of the vehicle.

To avoid delays

SEND ALL DOCUMENTS IN ADVANCE

– Packing list, passport copy, and bill of lading if the client will just pay duty/tax.

CEBU CUSTOMS

– Same as with MANILA CUSTOMS it’s just that duty and tax in CEBU is much cheaper compared to Manila so instead of filling for an exemption we advise the client to pay duty and tax.

SPECIFIC PROBLEMS WITH CUSTOMS IN PH

– Avoid incorrect BL, consignee name needs to be correct.
– Number of packages are different to packing list. Make sure this doesn’t happen.
– Customs see prohibited items during xray, so make sure there isn’t any. Refer to prohibited items list further below.
– No seal on the container could cause problems.

Prepaid DTHC/DESTINATION SHIPPING LINE LOCAL CHARGES

– Booking agent can ask the carrier – shipping line will only send invoice once it arrives at port.
– we do not know the actual charges.

Note:

Estimated additional charges (which will be billed to the client )
Port storage – 1200php per day
Container demurrage – 2500php per day (depending on the carrier)
Container detention – 2500php per day
Village fees – price depends on village administration (client will need to check this before the shipment can be delivered)
Shuttle fee for difficult access – 5000php
(Note that some villages do not allow trucks / containers, therefore the items will need to be transferred into smaller trucks or L300 for shuttling back and forth)
Overtime – for work done after 4pm
Crew – 132php (2.5USD) per hour
Crew leader – 193php (3.5 usd) per hour
Handyman services – 1000php per hour (min. 4 hours)
Piano handling – 200usd
Stair carry – 500php per flight

USED HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

Documents Required

– Passport
– Diplomatic ID
– Signed seaway bill copy (FCL/LCL)
– Air Waybill (AWB) – air
– Detailed Inventory list in English “clear copy”
– Authorization letter (AR to provide)
– Affidavit of shipment’s ownership
– Endorsement letter from DFA (Client to handle) (AR will only follow up with DOF)
– Copy of approved exemption documents (Client to handle)

Specific Information

Embassies and diplomatic organizations must apply for any tax exemption from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for the endorsement and then forward to the Department of

Finance for filling of duty and tax exemption request.
Approved exemption must be available prior to the shipment arrival at the port

– Once we have the exemption we can start the processing. ALL household goods incoming shipments are subject to customs x-ray / scanning (on a case to case basis). Once they detect prohibited items shipment will be subject for 100% customs examination
– Customs only allow 15 calendar days for releasing. After 15 calendar days the shipment will automatically be tagged as abandoned. AR will then need to process lifting of abandonment which will be an additional cost of 20 000php at cost. (note that this is an unreceipted charge) cost will be charged to the client. (a request can be made for extension however this will be subject to customs approval)
– Prepay THC to avoid delays (in order to receive the delivery order from the shipping line)

For air shipments

For shipments with tax exemption application, Customs clearance takes approximately 5-6 working days from the receipt of the complete documents including the duly approved exemption documents.

All air shipments are subject to airport storage starting from the arrival date of the cargo.

For less than container load (LCL) shipments

For shipments with a tax exemption application, Customs clearance takes approximately 5 to 7 working days from the receipt of the complete documents/approved exemption documents and/or transfer of shipments to Customs bonded warehouse.

For full container load (FCL) shipments

For shipments with a tax exemption application, Customs clearance takes approximately 6 to 8 working days from the receipt of the complete documents/approved exemption documents.

USED MOTOR VEHICLES

Documents Required

– Duly approved BIS / DTI import permit
– Original or Authenticated copy of Car Title or Car Registration
– Copy of Car Invoice
– Original or Authenticated passport
– Copy Ocean Bill of Lading
– CID certification of arrival

Specific Information

Only diplomats are allowed duty-free important.

Clearing time approximate 30 days, provided all the required documents are in place prior to the car’s arrival in Manila.

Once the vehicle is released from customs, the diplomat needs to go to LTO(Land transportation office) headquarters in Quezon city to get the stencil (Car engine stencil done at LTO). Once received, this needs to be sent to AR so that we can send it to customs for processing of certificate of payment(CP).

Note: 

The Philippines have very specific import procedures on importing motor vehicles and the owner should contact, in advance of loading or exportation, the nearest Philippine Embassy, Consulate, or agent to obtain the most recent information as these rules and procedures change frequently.

To avoid delays

SEND ALL DOCUMENTS IN ADVANCE

– packing list, passport copy, and bill of lading if the client will just pay duty/tax.

CEBU CUSTOMS

– Same as with MANILA CUSTOMS it’s just that duty and tax in CEBU is much cheaper compared to Manila so instead of filling for an exemption we advise the client to pay duty and tax.

SPECIFIC PROBLEMS WITH CUSTOMS IN PH

– Avoid incorrect BL, consignee name needs to be correct.
– Number of packages are different to packing list. Make sure this doesn’t happen.
– Customs see prohibited items during xray, so make sure there isn’t any. Refer to prohibited items list further below.
– No seal on the container could cause problems.

Prepaid DTHC/DESTINATION SHIPPING LINE LOCAL CHARGES

Booking agent can ask the carrier – shipping line will only send invoice once it arrives at port.

We do not know the actual charges.

Note:

Estimated additional charges (which will be billed to the client )
Port storage – 1200php per day
Container demurrage – 2500php per day (depending on the carrier)
Container detention – 2500php per day
Village fees – price depends on village administration (client will need to check this before the shipment can be delivered)
Shuttle fee for difficult access – 5000php
(Note that some villages do not allow trucks / containers, therefore the items will need to be transferred into smaller trucks or L300 for shuttling back and forth)
Overtime – for work done after 4pm
Crew – 132php (2.5USD) per hour
Crew leader – 193php (3.5 usd) per hour
Handyman services – 1000php per hour (min. 4 hours)
Piano handling – 200usd
Stair carry – 500php per flight

OFW (OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKER)

USED HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

Documents Required

– Regional passport
– Latest arrival stamp
– signed seaway bill copy (FCL/LCL)
– Air Waybill (AWB) – air
– Detailed Inventory list in English “clear copy”
– Authorization letter (AR to provide)
– Affidavit of shipment’s ownership
– TIN card copy

DOF form (see below)
Resident ID card (from abroad) – Returning resident.
Certificate of employment from employer abroad (OFW only)

Specific Information

Returning residents/OFW can avail Tax Exemption, provided:

Client arrives in Manila within the sixty ( 60 ) days,
Affidavit of ownership Notarized by the Philippines DOF
DOF form
Original passport with valid visa stamped and latest arrival stamped
Copy of TIN card from the nearest BIR office from your residence in the Philippines
ALL household goods incoming shipments are subject to customs x-ray / scanning. Once they detect prohibited items shipment will be subject for 100% customs examination.
Customs only allow 15 calendar days for releasing. After 15 calendar days the shipment will automatically be tagged as abandoned. AR will then need to process lifting of abandonment which will be an additional cost of 20 000php at cost. (note that this is an unreceipted charge) cost will be charged to the client. (a request can be made for extension however this will be subject to customs approval)
Prepay THC to avoid delays (in order to receive the delivery order from the shipping line)
Car shipments for Private individuals should not be shipped. Calculated at 130% of the sales invoice of the vehicle.
In rare cases where duties and taxes need to be paid, the client can send the shipment with their passport copy and provide the name of a relative as the consignee with the passport copy of the consignee attached.

For air shipments

For shipments with tax exemption application, Customs clearance takes approximately 5-6 working days from the receipt of the complete documents including the duly approved exemption documents.
All air shipments are subject to airport storage starting from the arrival date of the cargo.

For less than container load (LCL) shipments

For shipments with a tax exemption application, Customs clearance takes approximately 5 to 7 working days from the receipt of the complete documents/approved exemption documents and/or transfer of shipments to Customs bonded warehouse.

For full container load (FCL) shipments

For shipments with a tax exemption application, Customs clearance takes approximately 6 to 8 working days from the receipt of the complete documents/approved exemption documents

To avoid delays

SEND ALL DOCUMENTS IN ADVANCE
packing list, passport copy, and bill of lading for preparation of tax exemption
CEBU CUSTOMS
same as with MANILA CUSTOMS it’s just that duty and tax in CEBU is much cheaper compared to Manila so instead of filling for an exemption, we advise the client to pay duty and tax.
SPECIFIC PROBLEMS WITH CUSTOMS IN PH
Avoid incorrect BL, consignee name needs to be correct.
Number of packages are different to packing list. Make sure this doesn’t happen.
Customs see prohibited items during xray, so make sure there isn’t any. Refer to prohihibited items list further below.
No seal on the container could cause problems.
prepaid DTHC/DESTINATION SHIPPING LINE LOCAL CHARGES
Booking agent can ask the carrier – shipping line will only send invoice once it arrives at port.
we do not know the actual charges.

Note:

Estimated additional charges (which will be billed to the client )
Port storage – 1200php per day
Container demurrage – 2500php per day (depending on the carrier)
Container detention – 2500php per day
Village fees – price depends on village administration (client will need to check this before the shipment can be delivered)
Shuttle fee for difficult access – 5000php
(Note that some villages do not allow trucks / containers, therefore the items will need to be transferred into smaller trucks or L300 for shuttling back and forth)
Overtime – for work done after 4pm
Crew – 132php (2.5USD) per hour
Crew leader – 193php (3.5 usd) per hour
Handyman services – 1000php per hour (min. 4 hours)
Piano handling – 200usd
Stair carry – 500php per flight

Documents Required

passports both foreign and PH
Latest arrival stamp
signed seaway bill copy (FCL/LCL)
Air Waybill (AWB) – air
Detailed Inventory list in English “clear copy”
Authorization letter (AR to provide)
Affidavit of shipment’s ownership
Tin ID
DOF form
Oath of allegiance
Certificate of identification
Original certificate of re-acquisition/retention of Philippine Citizenship
Copy of birth certificate PSA

Note: Tax exemption can be done if all above requirements are provided. If not, shipment is subject for full duties and taxes

AR will charge 15000php for processing of tax exemption.

Retiree in PH (SRRV)

Documents Required

passport
Latest arrival stamp
signed seaway bill copy (FCL/LCL)
Air Waybill (AWB) – air
Detailed Inventory list in English “clear copy”
Authorization letter (AR to provide)
Affidavit of shipment’s ownership
Tin ID
DOF form
Original Endorsement letter from PRA (Philippine retirement authority)

Note: Tax exemption can be done if all above requirements are provided. If not , shipment is subject for full duties and taxes

AR will charge 15000php for processing of tax exemption

Married to a PH citizen (13A VISA)

Documents Required

passport
Latest arrival stamp
signed seaway bill copy (FCL/LCL)
Air Waybill (AWB) – air
Detailed Inventory list in English “clear copy”
Authorization letter (AR to provide)
Affidavit of shipment’s ownership
Tin ID
DOF form
Marriage certificate

Note: Tax exemption can be done if all above requirements are provided. If not , shipment is subject for full duties and taxes

AR will charge 15000php for processing of tax exemption

GROUPAGE

USED HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

MAXIMUM OF 2 CLIENTS PER CONTAINER

anything after 2 clients is considered balikbayan and cannot be handled by AR

Documents Required

Passports of each client
valid Visa must be stamped on the passport for each client
signed seaway bill copy (FCL/LCL) for each client
Detailed Inventory list in English “clear copy” for each client
Authorization letter (AR to provide for each client)
Affidavit of shipment’s ownership for each client
TIN card copy of each client
Depending on the client:
If they have valid visa – Tax exemption needs to be done
If they do not have valid visa – Duties and taxes will apply.

Specific Information

if the client is subject to the payment of duties and taxes. (duties and taxes are subject to customs assessment) 15% duties based on customs blue book value + 12% VAT)
ALL household goods incoming shipments are subject to customs x-ray / scanning. Once they detect prohibited items shipment will be subject for 100% customs examination.
·Customs only allow 15 calendar days for releasing. After 15 calendar days the shipment will automatically be tagged as abandoned. AR will then need to process lifting of abandonment which will be an additional cost of 20 000php at cost which will be split between the clients. (note that this is an unreceipted charge) cost will be charged to the client. (a request can be made for extension however this will be subject to customs approval)
Prepay THC to avoid delays (in order to receive the delivery order from the shipping line)
Car shipments for Private individuals should not be shipped. Calculated at 130% of the sales invoice of the vehicle.

For full container load (FCL) shipments

Customs clearance with a direct payment of duties takes approximately 5 to 7 working days from the date of arrival of the shipment.

Prepaid DTHC/DESTINATION SHIPPING LINE LOCAL CHARGES

Booking agent can ask the carrier – shipping line will only send invoice once it arrives at port.
we do not know the actual charges.

To avoid delays

SEND ALL DOCUMENTS IN ADVANCE
packing lists, passport copies, and bill of lading for both clients
CEBU CUSTOMS
same as with MANILA CUSTOMS it’s just that duty and tax in CEBU is much cheaper compared to Manila so instead of filling for an exemption we advise the client to pay duty and tax.
SPECIFIC PROBLEMS WITH CUSTOMS IN PH
Avoid incorrect BL, consignee name needs to be correct.
Number of packages are different to packing list. Make sure this doesn’t happen.
Customs see prohibited items during xray, so make sure there isn’t any. Refer to prohibited items list further below.
No seal on the container could cause problems.

Note:

Estimated additional charges (which will be billed to the client(s))
Port storage – 1200php per day (will be split accordingly)
Container demurrage – 2500php per day (depending on the carrier) (will be split accordingly)
Container detention – 2500php per day (will be split accordingly)
Village fees – price depends on village administration (client will need to check this before the shipment can be delivered)
Shuttle fee for difficult access – 5000php
(Note that some villages do not allow trucks / containers, therefore the items will need to be transferred into smaller trucks or L300 for shuttling back and forth)
Overtime – for work done after 4pm
Crew – 132php (2.5USD) per hour
Crew leader – 193php (3.5 usd) per hour
Handyman services – 1000php per hour (min. 4 hours)
Piano handling – 200usd
Stair carry – 500php per flight
Shipment will be delivered to AR warehouse, segregated and split delivery will apply.

PETS

Documents Required

Airway Bill
Vaccination Card
Veterinary Health Certificate Import Permit
Export Permit Microchip
First page copy of owner of the goods’ passport

Specific Information

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the importation of each pet
Vaccination card must be issued from the country of origin and include rabies vaccination information
Import permit should be acquired from Bureau of Animal Industry, Manila at least two to three ( 2 – 3 ) working days prior to the pet’s arrival in Manila
There is no quarantine period required in the Philippines
Duties/Taxes computations it’s based on the value of the pet and the freight cost (3% duty and 10% tax)
Clearing time is approximately 4 to 5 hours from the time of the pet’s arrival in Manila The Quarantine Inspector in Manila must be notified at least 24 hours prior to the arrival of an animal
Pets may be transported as accompanied baggage or as cargo; contact airline for specific information
It is possible that a pet considered “exotic” would be restricted; if so, the owner should contact the Philippine Embassy, Consulate for further information

PROHIBITED ITEMS
Obscene literature, photographs and films
Politically subversive literature
Narcotics and drugs
Gambling equipment
Firearms (guns / ammunition)
Sharp or bladed weapons
Chainsaw
Perishable items
R.A. 4653, (elephant/ ivory tusk products)
R.A. 8293, DVDs, VCDs, other imitation products or those which violate the Intellectual Property Rights Code and regulated items(i.e., transceivers, controlled chemicals /substances / precursors )

RESTRICTED / DUTIABLE ITEMS

Drugs and medicines, including over-the-counter pharmaceutical and prescription drugs and medicines should be hand carried in minimal amounts.
Wine, liquor and food items should be loaded last into the container to facilitate easy inspection by Philippines Customs and all boxes clearly marked. A separate inventory should be made for wine, liquor and food items with detailed information such as the number of bottles, volume of each bottle, and type of spirit, value and alcohol percent. The following items may qualify for free import if withinthe limits indicated:
Cigarettes (400), cigars (50), tobacco (250 g)
Alcohol(2 bottles of 1L each)
Duties and taxes are assessed by Philippine Customs

CONSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

NON DIPLOMATICCARGO:

CLIENT’S NAME (as seen on the passport) CLIENT’S ADDRESSIN PHILIPPINES

NOTIFY PARTY:

ASIA RELOCATION MOVING AND STORAGEINC.
401 CERVANTES STREET BORMAHECOCOMPOUND, SUCAT, PARANAQUECITY, PHILIPPINES POC: BING ARAMBULO
TEL: (63 2) 8511 1861
EMAIL: traffic@asia-relocation.com

DIPLOMATIC CARGO:

CLIENT’S NAME (as seen on the passport)
C/O Name of the Company(Embassy of the Philippines Government Agency) (Full addressin the Philippines)

NOTIFY PARTY:

ASIA RELOCATION MOVING AND STORAGEINC.
401 CERVANTES STREET BORMAHECOCOMPOUND, SUCAT, PARANAQUECITY, PHILIPPINES POC: BING ARAMBULO
TEL: (63 2) 8511 1861
EMAIL: traffic@asia-relocation.com