Import to the Philippines: A complete 2025 guide for businesses

Importing goods into the Philippines can open up new growth opportunities for businesses of all sizes, whether you're a retailer expanding your product range, a manufacturer sourcing materials, or a distributor streamlining supply chains. However, the process often comes with complex customs procedures, documentation requirements, and compliance checks. 

In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about importing goods to the Philippines, so you can navigate international shipping with confidence and efficiency. 

Why choose DHL Express for import shipping?

Importing with DHL Express offers unparalleled speed and reliability, ensuring your goods reach the Philippines quickly, thanks to our global air network and time-definite delivery guarantees. Moreover, our customs clearance expertise includes digital “Clearance in the Air” and in‑house specialists.

Additionally, you can enjoy 24/7 shipment tracking, automated invoicing via MyBill or MyDHL+, and local customer support, so you stay informed and in control at every step. Crucially, for B2B workflows, where time-sensitive deliveries and minimal paperwork mistakes are most critical, these features translate into significant operational advantages. 

Ultimately, it’s not always about cost; it’s about ensuring your business runs smoothly with consistent performance, fewer delays, and stronger compliance.

Import shipping checklist: What to prepare

If you are planning to import, here’s a concise and helpful checklist to assist you in getting started with importing to the Philippines. While this list covers the basics, please note that requirements may vary depending on your industry and the type of goods you're importing. 

Always check for product-specific regulations to avoid delays. Key items include a completed air waybill, a commercial invoice with accurate HS codes, and any necessary permits or licenses. For specialized shipments, whether electronics, food items, or medical supplies, DHL Express brings extensive experience in handling diverse product categories, ensuring smoother compliance and customs clearance tailored to your business needs.

 Preparing your Air Waybill (AWB)

Before shipping your goods, it's essential to complete the air waybill (AWB) accurately to ensure smooth and timely customs clearance.

• Provide accurate and complete details, including the shipper's and receiver's names, addresses, and contact information (mobile number and email address), along with a description, value (including currency), weight, and number of pieces.
• Details on the AWB must match those on the invoice or other relevant documents.
• Provide a clear, specific description of goods that is easy to read for destination customs clearance. Internal company jargon or part numbers are not sufficient.
• Provide the correct declared value with currency. This should be consistent with commercial value, otherwise it will lead to delays if customs have queries on the value.
• Freight charges (if applicable).

Note: Please ensure the shipper checks with DHL Express staff to avoid shipping prohibited or restricted commodities to the Philippines. There are strict fines and penalties for importing prohibited items and the entire shipment will be seized by customs, even if the prohibited items form a part of the shipment.

Creating a proper commercial invoice

A well-prepared commercial invoice is essential for smooth customs clearance and accurate duty assessment when importing goods into the Philippines.

• Include complete details on the goods including but not limited to the item description, HS code (if available), quantity, weight, unit price, total value, currency used, and country of origin (COO).
• Provide correct value with a breakdown per item (should match the transaction or commercial value).
• Please do not put “No Commercial Value” (NCV) or “Value for customs purposes only” or an unreasonably lower value as this will result in delays when customs ask for proof of payment to ascertain whether the declared value is correct.
• Provide a full description, including additional product details, and brochures if possible, to clarify all doubts and avoid delays.
• Provide details on freight and insurance (if available).
• Any changes in value post-arrival in the Philippines may result in delays as well as penalties under the Customs Administrative Order, with the possibility of being denied by customs.
• Attach a packing list that clearly describes all details needed if there are multiple items or boxes.
• Note that shipments are subject to physical or x-ray examinations by customs authorities and any errors or incomplete details may result in further checks resulting in delays.

Note: Certain contents need special licenses and documentation at origin or in the Philippines. Please ensure these are available with the shipment, or the consignee is informed to prepare these to avoid delays. For support, please contact DHL Express. 

Understanding importation clearance types in the Philippines

When importing goods into the Philippines, clearance procedures vary depending on the shipment’s declared value and type. Below are the three primary import clearance categories and when they apply:

• De Minimis: Applies to shipments with declared value not exceeding PHP 10,000. These are exempt from duties and taxes, but the declared value must be accurate. If customs suspects undervaluation, they may verify it using the National Value Verification System (NVVS), potentially resulting in delays or reclassification.

• Informal Entry: Covers shipments with a declared value between PHP 10,001 and PHP 49,999. Basic import documentation is required, but the process is simpler than formal entry.

• Formal Entry: Applies to shipments with a declared value of PHP 50,000 and above.

  • For Formal Entry, the consignee must be an active, registered and accredited importer with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

  • If a shipment over the formal entry threshold is for personal use, the consignee may request reclassification as Informal Entry by submitting valid ID and a Letter of Request, subject to customs approval.

Note: Certain regulated commodities are always subject to Formal Entry regardless of value.

Special import scenarios to know

While the import process in the Philippines is generally straightforward, certain shipments can face unexpected delays due to customs inspections, incomplete documentation, or regulatory complexities. These situations can disrupt delivery timelines and add unexpected costs. This is where experienced shipping providers like DHL Express become invaluable. With deep knowledge of customs procedures and access to local clearance support, we can help during special import scenarios as follows:

Repaired and returned shipments

For shipments previously exported from the Philippines for repair in another country before being imported back to the Philippines, the following additional requirements must be provided:

• Certificate of Identification (CI) and/or Certificate of Inspection and Loading (CIL) must be secured from customs before the shipment’s departure from the Philippines and must indicate that the shipment is for repair.

• Previous export declaration to prove the item was originally exported.

These documents confirm the shipment’s repair status and support duty exemption upon return.

Misshipped or missorted shipments

In accordance with CMO 09-2021 (as updated in 2025), missorted and misrouted shipments may be returned duty-free if reported within 24 hours of arrival and meet these conditions:

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  • The AWB indicates that the consignee address is other than in the Philippines.

• Although the AWB lists a Philippine address, labels clearly indicate a different destination and warehouse staff verify this.

• Customs is notified prior to lodgment of goods declaration.
• The shipment is not regulated, restricted or prohibited in the Philippines.
• The shipment is returned to the shipper within 24 hours from the arrival.

Avoiding abandoned shipments

To prevent your shipment from being considered impliedly abandoned under Philippine customs regulations:

• File your entry within 15 days of the final discharge of the last package. 

• Submit all required permits, licenses, and pay duties/taxes within 15 days of the final assessment. 

• Claim your goods within 30 days after payment of custom duties and taxes. 

Notes: If these deadlines are missed, the Bureau of Customs will issue a Decree of Abandonment. Lifting an abandonment requires formal application and fees, as stipulated in Customs Administrative Order 13‑2020.

Duties, taxes, and fees: What to expect

All international imported shipments coming into the Philippines, including previously exported goods, are subject to payment of custom duties, taxes, and other local charges, based on the item’s HS code and declared value. A 12 % VAT is applied to the total landed cost, which includes dutiable value, freight, insurance, and other fees.

Additional charges you may encounter include:

• Duty Handling Fees: A fee is charged when DHL pays duty in advance, on behalf of the customer.
• Storage Fees: Storage charges for packages in DHL Express facilities for more than three calendar days as applicable.
• Regulatory & Documentation Charges: Regulatory charges related to documentation are charged for each shipment.
• Broker Turnover Fees: Applicable when a consignee opts to use a 3rd party broker instead of DHL Express and the original paperwork is released to them for self-clearance.

Note: Every fee is clearly documented on your DHL Express invoice upon delivery. For detailed breakdowns, consult DHL Express Customer Service or Clearance Support, or refer to current DHL Express pricing and DHL Express international shipping rates.

Which Philippine agencies may regulate your imports?

Before importing goods into the Philippines, it's essential to know which government agencies may regulate your shipment based on the product type, as each has specific requirements and clearances to ensure compliance.