How to ship from the Philippines to the UK

In February 2025, the UK imported £39.3 million worth of goods from the Philippines, resulting in a favorable trade balance of £4.12 million¹. This growing economic connection presents significant opportunities for Filipino businesses looking to expand internationally.

However, navigating international shipping, understanding UK import regulations, and managing customs regulations can seem complex. So, in this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps. What’s more, we’ll show you how choosing the right logistics partner can ensure your export from the Philippines to the UK is a success.

What the UK wants: Market insights and opportunities

When you’re planning your international shipping strategy, the first thing you need to do is learn about the current demands in the market and explore potential niches. So, what are the Philippines’ key export categories in the UK?

Top export categories

In terms of value, some of the top exports from the Philippines to the UK include²:

• Electrical and Electronic Equipment (US$195.24 million): From cutting-edge components to everyday electronics, the UK's dynamic tech scene offers a strong appetite for Philippine expertise in this sector.
• Machinery (US$73.95 million): As the UK's manufacturing and infrastructure sectors evolve, reliable machinery from the Philippines also plays a crucial role.
• Meat, Fish, and Seafood Preparations (US$ 44.68 million): The UK’s diverse culinary landscape welcomes the unique flavors and quality of prepared Filipino seafood and meat products.
• Vegetable, Fruit, Nut Food Preparations (US$35.37 million): From exotic fruit purees to innovative vegetable snacks, the demand for diverse and healthy food options in the UK creates exciting opportunities.

Remember, these aren't just numbers—they represent real demand and established pathways for Filipino businesses ready to make their mark.

How to identify export opportunities

Successfully identifying export opportunities in the UK requires thorough market research. Consider these actionable steps:

• Utilize Online Market Research Platforms: Explore platforms that offer UK-specific market data, consumer behavior analysis, and international competitor insights.
• Analyze Industry Reports: Access sector-specific reports focused on the UK market to understand trends, growth projections, and potential demand for particular product categories. For instance, you can access trade reports from the HM Revenue and Customs website. Additionally, this department has a tool that lets you customize your reports, allowing you to analyze the data at a granular level.
• Understand UK Consumer Preferences: Stay informed about current consumer preferences in the UK, including factors like sustainability, ethical sourcing, and emerging product demands.
• Monitor E-commerce Platforms: Analyze product listings and sales trends on popular UK e-commerce sites like Amazon and eBay to identify what resonates with consumers.
• Participate in Virtual Trade Shows and Webinars: Engage in UK-focused online industry events to gain market intelligence and network with potential buyers.

Exploring the e-commerce market

The UK also presents a substantial e-commerce market for businesses looking to ship products from the Philippines. With a projected market volume of US$185.97 billion by 2029 and an anticipated annual growth rate of 7.01%, the online retail sector offers considerable opportunities for export³.

Filipino businesses can utilize various online platforms to directly reach UK consumers, overcoming traditional retail limitations. So, consider establishing an online presence to reduce initial barriers. This approach also enables targeted marketing to specific consumer segments within the UK's dynamic e-commerce environment.

Navigating UK customs

Now that you have a better understanding of the UK market's potential, the next crucial step when you export goods from the Philippines to the UK is navigating the customs procedures.

Prepare the export documentation

Successfully importing goods into the UK requires meticulous preparation of export documentation. At the same time, this involves several essential steps, starting with ensuring you have an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number⁴. You’ll then need to determine the correct commodity code for your goods, which dictates the applicable duty and VAT rates.

Following this, you must ensure you have completed the list of documents required for export, including a commercial invoice detailing the transaction, a packing list specifying the contents of each shipment, and potentially a certificate of origin if preferential duty rates apply.

Review the list of prohibited and restricted items

Before you ship from the Philippines to the UK, it’s important to review the list of prohibited and restricted items. The guidance provided by the UK government outlines goods that are either entirely banned or have specific conditions for entry. While the HM Revenue & Customs lists restricted and controlled goods like controlled drugs, offensive weapons, and food products, the information available online is not exhaustive⁵. Therefore, exporters should always consult the UK Integrated Online Tariff to ascertain if their specific goods are subject to any restrictions or controls.

Note that when goods are restricted, they will only be granted entry if you have a valid license or written permission from the UK government or a UK court of law. For example, if you plan to import items like fresh produce, plants, animals, medicines, textiles, chemicals, or firearms, you will likely need to register as an importer and potentially obtain specific licenses or certificates before declaring your goods at customs⁶.

Calculate Import duties and taxes

Understanding how import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) are calculated is crucial for managing the costs associated with international customs. Generally, import duty and tariff rates depend on the commodity code of your goods and their country of origin. To get a clear understanding of the costs involved, you can look up the commodity codes and duties for your goods using the UK government’s Trade Tariff service.

In addition to duty, most goods imported into the UK are also subject to VAT, which is typically calculated on the total value of the goods, including shipping and insurance costs, plus any import duty owed. And if you want to minimize the overall import duties, you should review the info from the HM Revenue & Customs to check if your goods are covered by a preference agreement. Note that the HM Revenue & Customs also provides reduced duties for certain imports, so check if your goods are covered by those conditions as well⁷.

Smart shipping strategies

Beyond navigating the essential customs procedures, optimizing your shipping strategy is key when you’re learning how to export goods from the Philippines efficiently. Consider the following approaches:

• Choosing the Right Shipping Method: Select a service that aligns with your shipment's urgency and budget. For example, express options are ideal for time-sensitive goods. On the other hand, standard services offer a more economical approach for less urgent international shipping.
• Packaging Best Practices: Invest in sturdy packaging materials and proper techniques to safeguard your goods against potential damage during transit. Secure items, use cushioning and clearly label your goods.
• Tracking and Insurance: Utilize shipment tracking services for visibility and consider obtaining insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances like loss or damage, especially for valuable items.
• Partnering with a Reliable Logistics Provider: Collaborating with DHL Express can streamline your global delivery process. With our expertise in international customs, efficient package tracker services, and assistance with export documentation, we can ensure a smoother international shipping experience for you.

Partner with DHL Express for export success

Successfully shipping from the Philippines to the UK involves understanding market opportunities, navigating international customs, and employing effective shipping strategies. By taking these factors into account, your business can tap into the UK's robust economy and expand its global reach.

To streamline your international shipping and gain a competitive edge, consider partnering with a trusted logistics provider. Open a DHL Express business account today and gain access to our expertise and resources to facilitate your successful entry into the UK market.