Global-Capabilities / Philippines

Importing to the Philippines

In Southeast Asia's heart, the Philippines is a vibrant player in the ever-evolving global tech landscape. A nation that transcends its archipelagic beauty to become a digital paradise of innovation and opportunity. The nation's ascent is propelled skyward by a fervent hunger for cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence. The government has worked feverishly, constructing policies encouraging investment into the data center domain. Tax incentives and eased regulations have been implemented to entice investors.

Tax: up to 12%
Duties: up to 20%

Restricted Items: Second-hand Goods

Non-working days: Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays 

Lead times: 4-5 Weeks

Best carrier option: Freight Forwarder

Prominent Languages: Tagalog & Cebuano

Tax: up to 12%
Duties: up to 20%

Restricted Items: Second-hand Goods

Non-working days: Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays 

Lead Time: 4-5 Weeks

Best carrier option: Freight Forwarder

Prominent Languages: Tagalog & Cebuano

Pain Points

Trade Pain Points and Possibilities

In the Philippines, having a locally registered entity is not enough. In the trade of certain goods, customs accreditation is required for both the import and export. Additional National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and Optical Media Board (OMB) permits are also necessary for dual-use or telecommunications equipment. These permits can pose significant shipping delays.

The import and export in the Philippines face several trade complexities that businesses must know. Complex regulatory requirements, corruption, infrastructure challenges, and weak intellectual property protection are a few of the fundamental hurdles.

Philippine customs can reassess the declared value of imported goods, potentially exposing importers to surprise costs and delays. If discrepancies exceed a certain threshold, a hefty surcharge of up to 500% may be applied.

The Philippines has free trade agreements (FTAs) with several countries, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). While free trade agreements aim to reduce tariffs and eliminate trade barriers, they are notorious for adding compliance requirements, particularly on dual-use goods.

Our Solution

How TecEx Can Help You Import into the Philippines

Dual-use trade in the Philippines is complex due to overlapping government regulations, strict end-user and end-use verification, and the constant need to comply with changing export controls.

Additionally, economic sanctions and import requirements such as NTC registration, corresponding permits, approvals, labeling parameters, valuations, and clearance processes can be intricate.

To mitigate your risks and simplify your import journey into the Philippines, choose TecEx as your trusted partner. Our expert knowledge of trade compliance, customs regulations, and logistics covers every aspect of your cross-border transactions. Removing the risks and administrative burden to offer you a seamless and efficient Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) solution.

About the Philippines

The Philippines is a major hub for outsourcing and offshoring, with over 1 million people employed in the IT-BPM industry.

The Philippines is a major producer of mobile applications, with over 100,000 mobile apps developed in the country.

In importing and exporting goods to and from the Philippines, turn to TecEx as your Importer of Record (IOR) partner. Our profound understanding of Philippino customs and regulatory requirements guarantees a seamless customs clearance process.

Don’t get caught in the bureaucracy of the Philippines, our established relationships and knowledge are a benefit that is not worth missing out on.

Trade Pain Points and Possibilities

Our Solution

How TecEx Can Help You Import into the Philippines

Dual-use trade in the Philippines is complex due to overlapping government regulations, strict end-user and end-use verification, and the constant need to comply with changing export controls.

Additionally, economic sanctions and import requirements such as NTC registration, corresponding permits, approvals, labeling parameters, valuations, and clearance processes can be intricate.

About the Philippines

The Philippines is a major hub for outsourcing and offshoring, with over 1 million people employed in the IT-BPM industry.

The Philippines is a major producer of mobile applications, with over 100,000 mobile apps developed in the country.

Don’t get caught in the bureaucracy of the Philippines, our established relationships and knowledge are a benefit that is not worth missing out on.

Back to all countries

Your global trade solution for Philippines

Fill in the form to get in touch, and our expert team will contact you with a bespoke customs compliance solution to suit your needs.

Your global trade solution for Philippines

Fill in the form to get in touch, and our expert team will contact you with a bespoke customs compliance solution to suit your needs.

Importing to the Philippines

Trade Pain Points and Possibilities

Our Solution

About the Philippines

Trade Pain Points and Possibilities

Our Solution

About the Philippines

Your global trade solution for Philippines

Solutions

Knowledge

Tools

About

TecEx Newsletter