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Venturing into the US market from the Philippines presents exciting opportunities, but navigating the complexities of international shipping can feel overwhelming. What’s more, import and export policies can vary widely across countries and depend on the different laws the country adopts regarding the import of goods. For example, shipping from the Philippines to the US requires following specific guidelines, such as those set out by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)¹. If you want to save time and money while exporting to the US, you should have the most accurate and up-to-date information at your disposal.
So, we’re going to share key information on shipping from the Philippines to the US, such as tips for shipping, the costs involved, required documents, and the most popular items delivered to the US from the Philippines.
This way, you can confidently send packages and local goods overseas.
The Philippines and the US have been enjoying long-standing trade relations for many decades. Here are some notable statistics about this solid trade relationship:
The US can be a lucrative market for Filipino businesses in these industries to expand into, as there is a proven demand for these goods from the Philippines.
While going international presents lucrative opportunities for any business, understanding the regulations and taxes in any country can be tedious and time-consuming. To provide some clarity, we have compiled a list of valuable tips before you ship globally.
Like any country in the world, there is a list of restricted and prohibited products in the US. Learning the country’s policies on what can and cannot be brought in is essential and can save time and unnecessary problems when exporting to the US.
It is also important to know the difference between prohibited and restricted. According to the CBP source above, prohibited means the law forbids the goods from entering the US, while restricted goods means the need to obtain a license or permit before it is allowed in.
Certain products, such as dangerous toys, cars and illegal substances like absinthe and Rohypnol, are prohibited4 from entering the US. For instance, some restricted items in the USA include firearms, animal products, specific fruits and vegetables5, and require special permits from the respective federal agencies.
Understanding customs regulations involves knowing the documentation required for you to send your goods. When a shipment arrives at a port in the USA, the relevant entry documents have to be filed within 15 days of the shipment's arrival date. When shipping from the Philippines to the USA, you’ll generally need these documents:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Invoice (unless a commercial sample under US$25 in value) | This document details the transaction, including the buyer, seller, goods being shipped, quantities, and prices. |
| Air waybill (air cargo) | This serves as a receipt for the shipment and a contract of carriage between the shipper and the airline for air freight. |
| Proof of insurance | This document verifies that the shipment is insured against loss or damage during transit. |
| Certificate of pre-shipment inspection (when applicable) | Depending on the goods, this certificate confirms that the items were inspected before shipment to meet certain standards. |
| Port expenditures (when applicable) | This outlines any fees or charges incurred at the port of origin related to the shipment. |
| Transportation invoice | This document details the costs associated with transporting the goods to their destination. |
| Packing list | This provides a detailed inventory of the contents of each package, including quantities and descriptions. |
| Certificate of origin (when applicable) | This document certifies the country where the goods were manufactured, which can affect customs duties. |
| Other certificates (as needed) | Depending on the specific type of goods being imported, additional certificates such as health certificates or permits may be required. |
Customs duty is a tax imposed on goods when they move across borders. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (HTSUS) to calculate the duty fees of an import item. Different categories of items have different duty rates ranging from 0 to 37.5%, which is then multiplied by the cost of goods to determine the customs duty.
The CBP also collects other miscellaneous fees depending on the type of item that is being imported. For example, the Federal Excise Tax is imposed on the imports of tires and tobacco products. Before sending your package from the Philippines to another country, be sure to learn about the monetary costs involved in doing so, to avoid any unnecessary delays at customs.
When you’re shipping from the Philippines to the USA, you need to know how shipping costs are calculated to avoid surprises. Generally, the costs are influenced by several key factors, including the weight and dimensions of your shipment. Note that heavier and larger packages usually incur higher charges. The speed of service you choose also plays a significant role, and express options for urgent deliveries will generally cost more than standard services.
To get a precise understanding of the costs, we recommend using DHL Express’s free shipping calculator. This way, you can get a tailored quote for your shipment.
Create a DHL Express business account today and start shipping from the Philippines to the US with ease.
The Philippines exports numerous items to the US. These items span more than 60 different categories—from electrical equipment to commodities. In 2024, US$6.40 billion worth of electrical machinery was shipped from the Philippines to the USA.
In fact, these are not the only categories that brought a considerable amount of money from exports. US$386.65 million worth of articles of leather, animal gut, harness, and travel goods, moreover, were Philippines to the US. Other popular items shipped6 from the former to the latter include:
Thorough preparation and a clear understanding of regulations are your keys to successfully shipping from the Philippines to the USA. By taking the time to learn about restrictions, prepare essential documents, and understand potential costs, you can significantly streamline your international shipping process. However, navigating the intricacies of global logistics doesn't have to be a solo journey. You can partner with an international logistics expert like DHL Express.
DHL Express offers several express delivery options, including Urgent, Time-Sensitive delivery, where goods are delivered by the next possible business day. We also offer Optional Services, which include shipment insurance and dedicated pickup options.
Let DHL Express be your trusted partner in international shipping, guiding you through customs procedures and providing the expertise to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. Sign up for a DHL Express business account today and start shipping from the Philippines to the USA with confidence!
Successfully shipping from the Philippines to the USA involves understanding regulations, preparing necessary documents, and choosing a reliable logistics partner. You can partner with DHL Express to access efficient, seamless, and dependable international shipping services.
The cost to ship to the US from the Philippines varies depending on factors such as package weight, dimensions, and the speed of service. For a precise estimate tailored to your specific needs, we recommend using the DHL Express shipping calculator on our website.
The Philippines exports a variety of goods globally. For the USA, the Philippines ships significant volumes in categories like electrical goods (including electronics), machinery, articles of leather, optical items, and food preparations.
The US prohibits the import of certain items, including dangerous toys, cars that don't meet safety standards, and illegal substances such as absinthe and Rohypnol. For a complete list of the prohibited items, we recommend visiting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website before you start exporting from the Philippines.
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