The Ultimate Guide to International Shipping From the Philippines

In recent years, the Philippines has seen a significant surge in international shipping, largely driven by the thriving e-commerce sector. According to research from Statista, cross-border e-commerce experienced a substantial increase from a modest PH₱58.55 billion (US$1.05 billion) in 2017 to an impressive PH₱552.03 billion (US$9.9 billion) in 2021. Such a noteworthy increase indicates the increasing global demand for Filipino products. 

This surge is crucial for e-commerce businesses in the Philippines, allowing them to tap into international markets and expand their customer base beyond the Philippine shores.

Notably, data from the World Bank revealed that the goods and services exports in the Philippines accounted for 28.4% of the country’s GDP in 2022, emphasizing the economic significance of international trade for the country. 

This interconnection between the e-commerce boom and the broader economic impact highlights the importance of understanding and navigating the complexities of international shipping from the Philippines. It's not just about moving goods; it's about fueling growth, opening new markets, and contributing significantly to the national economy.

Dive into this insightful guide on how to ship internationally from the Philippines for a smooth and efficient way to reach global destinations.

Understanding the Basics Of International Shipping

Understanding the language of international shipping is vital for smooth exports overseas. To navigate this field efficiently, familiarize yourself with these key terminologies and concepts: 

• Air Waybill: Shipping document with a unique number that is used for the transportation of a shipment by Air. 
• Bill of Lading (BOL): A contract between the sender and the delivery company, like DHL. It includes where the package is going, how it should be handled, and signatures from the sender, delivery company, and receiver. It helps track the package and prevent theft.
• Shipment insurance: An insurance policy that protects the shipment owner against financial loss due to damaged or lost cargo.
• Carrier agreement: A contract between the shipper and the carrier indicating the terms and conditions of freight transportation.
• Commercial Invoice: Invoice that accompanies or is associated with a shipment that details the commercial value of the contents
• Delivery duty paid (DDP) vs. delivery duty unpaid (DDU): Determines who is responsible for paying customs duties and taxes—the sender (DDP) or the recipient (DDU).
• De Minimis: A term referring to a maximum value limit for goods, including documents and trade samples. However, in the Philippines, a recent memorandum from the Bureau of Customs (BOC), all de minimis shipments are now subject to charges. 
• Duties and taxes: Compulsory charges imposed on the importation and exportation of goods.
• Harmonized system code (HS): An HS code is a globally recognized system that assigns names and numbers to products for international trade classification.
• Incoterms: A set of international rules defining the responsibilities of sellers and buyers to deliver goods.
• Shipping tariffs: Taxes or duties paid on a particular class of imports or exports.
• Transit time: The time it takes for a shipment to reach its destination after being shipped.
• Zone Pricing: Shipping costs vary depending on the destination zone. Knowing this can help you estimate shipping costs more accurately.

After familiarizing yourself with the key terms of international shipping, the next step is selecting the appropriate shipping method that aligns with your specific needs and delivery timeline. At DHL Express, one of the leading International courier service providers, we cater to a diverse range of requirements through various shipping options to meet various requirements. Here's a quick overview of our services:

Time Definite:

For international door-to-door delivery by a specific time, or by the end of the next possible business day, choose our time definite services. 

• DHL Express 9:00: This option guarantees delivery by 9:00 AM or by 10:30 AM for the United States of America (USA), ideal for those who need their package to arrive early. It's a reliable choice for sending packages from the Philippines to the USA or anywhere in the world, allowing up to 30kg per piece and total shipments of up to 300kg. 

• DHL Express 12:00: Receive your shipments by 12 noon on the next business day, ensuring timely delivery for larger packages. This option caters to items up to 70 kg and total shipments of up to 300 kg.

• DHL Express Worldwide: Offers shippers an end-of-business-day delivery service worldwide (maximum weight limit of 70 kg for pieces and 3,000 kg), providing a swift and dependable option for your international express shipping needs.

Same Day:
For critical international shipments that need immediate pick-up and door-to-door delivery with a 24-hour target.

• DHL Jetline: Places a priority on your urgent international shipments by sending them on the next commercial or network flight out of the country. With an immediate pick-up service within the hour, our fully flexible air service offers a reliable door-to-door service 24/7, 365 days a year, to deliver your packages within the shortest time possible.
• DHL Secureline: If you require high-level, secure and urgent international priority shipping, DHL Secureline will provide you with an accompanied charter service – by plane or even helicopter – and hire a dedicated onboard courier for smaller shipments.

These shipping services ensure that whether your logistical needs are urgent or if you're looking for more economical options, there's a tailored solution available to meet every demand.

Preparing Your Shipment

Preparing your package for international shipping involves a series of steps to ensure it arrives safely and complies with regulations. Here's how to get started:

• Pack securely: Use sturdy packaging materials and secure items inside the package to prevent damage during transit. DHL Express Philippines provides packaging options for various item sizes and shapes, including flyer bags, cardboard document envelopes, and boxes.

• Measure and weigh: Accurately measure the dimensions and weight of your shipment. This ensures you can select the most suitable shipping option. For volumetric weight calculations, multiply the length by height by width (in centimeters), and divide the total sum by 5,000. DHL Express Philippines can re-weigh and re-measure to confirm the correct figures, guaranteeing the accuracy of your shipping costs.

• Gather all required documentation: Prepare all necessary documentation, such as the packing list, waybill, invoice, and more. 

• Label shipments clearly: Affix all necessary labels and documentation outside of the package.

• Perform a final check: Before dispatch, conduct a final review of the package and documents to ensure they are complete and accurate.

Navigating Customs and Regulations

To ensure a smooth international shipping process from the Philippines, familiarizing yourself with the customs regulations is essential. 

Personal shipments in the Philippines are subject to duty fees, typically ranging between 3% and 30%, with an average of 15%. The value of the goods determines these fees and must be settled for clearance. This step ensures your goods transit smoothly across borders, reaching destinations like Canada, Singapore, and the USA without unnecessary hold-ups.

Additionally, businesses in the Philippines must prepare and submit essential documents for shipping internationally. These include:

• Export license: This official document the government grants permits the export of specified quantities of goods to a designated destination. It's essential for regulated goods or items under control. For first-time exporters, registration with the Client Profile Registration System (CPRS) facilitated by the Philippine Exporters Confederation is necessary to secure an export permit/license. 
• Bill of lading: This legal document, issued by the carrier, confirms the receipt of cargo for shipment. It serves as a contract of transportation and a receipt once the goods are delivered. When preparing this document, ensure it accurately reflects the cargo details, terms of shipment, and destination.
• Certificate of origin: A document certifying where the goods were manufactured, often required to determine whether the goods are eligible for import or subject to duties.
• Customs export declaration: A formal statement declaring the full details of the exported goods.
• Shipping Invoice: An itemized bill detailing the shipped goods, including descriptions, quantities, prices, and sale terms. It's used for customs valuation and payment processing. 
• Packing list: This detailed document lists the contents, quantities, and packaging specifics of each item in the shipment, assisting in the inspection process. It should match the shipment’s contents to facilitate smooth customs clearance and handling.

Tracking and Managing Your Shipments

Tracking your shipments is more than just a convenience; it’s a necessity to ensure they arrive safely and on time. According to the Penn Elcom Global Parcel Theft Report 2022, a concerning 33% of people worldwide have faced the frustration of a lost or stolen package at some point, totaling an estimated 23.5 billion parcels.

To address this issue, DHL Express Philippines has introduced MyDHL+, an innovative platform for tracking and managing international shipments. This user-friendly interface lets you monitor your parcels in real-time, giving you peace of mind.

With MyDHL+, you can receive precise quotations on all duties and taxes before dispatch, ensuring transparency and control over your shipping costs. Additionally, the platform enables secure online payments, offering convenience for a seamless international shipping experience from the Philippines.

Should your package be damaged or go missing, you can contact our customer support team within 30 days of DHL Express Philippines receiving your shipment. Our dedicated team will conduct a thorough investigation to resolve the issue. You'll receive updates on the investigation's progress within three days, ensuring a swift and efficient response to your concerns.

Tips For a Successful International Shipping

Refer to this comprehensive checklist for a smooth international shipping experience:

• Verify item permissibility: Double-check that your goods are allowed in the destination country to avoid confiscation or penalties.

• Accurate weight and dimensions: Provide precise measurements to ensure correct shipping rates and avoid discrepancies.

• Comprehensive insurance: Secure insurance coverage for your shipment to ensure protection against loss or damage during transit.

• Optimize for efficiency: Consider packaging solutions that minimize space and weight, potentially lowering shipping costs.

• Understand Incoterms: Familiarize yourself with International Commercial Terms to clearly understand the responsibilities of buyers and sellers.

• Prepare for inspections: Ensure your shipment is ready for customs inspections by keeping contents accessible and properly documented.

• Utilize quality packaging supplies: Invest in high-quality packaging materials from trusted providers, like DHL Express Philippines, to safeguard your items throughout their journey.

Explore Global Horizons With DHL Express Philippines

As you delve into the world of international shipping, DHL Express Philippines, considered among the best couriers for affordable international shipping from the Philippines, stands ready to guide you every step of the way. 

Our extensive knowledge in customs ensures that your shipments are always compliant, providing a smooth export process, whether sending parcels to destinations like Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Korea, and beyond.

Entrepreneurs can open a business account with us to unlock custom international shipping services and facilitate global expansion. On the other hand, for those simply looking to send care packages to family or friends across the globe, shipping with DHL Express Philippines guarantees a reliable and swift delivery service. 

Partner with us for streamlined international shipping – connect globally now.