Box Shipping - Import Regulations in Philippines

Import Regulations in Philippines

Required documentation includes passport (original) showing last departure and arrival date; Residence Visa; Residence Permit; Work Permit; inventory (should state each item as "used" and in English); duplicate appliances always taxable; Letter of Request for Exemption (Customs Bond, Letter of Guarantee, Bank Guarantee). Some other documents may be required, depending on customer's immigration status.

The shipper must be present for customs clearance. Shipment must not arrive prior to visa been approved.

It must arrive within 60 days before or after customer's arrival. Upon arrival all shipments are subject to 100% inspection. All personal effects and household goods must have been in customer's possession for at least six months prior to importation. Temporary residents may bring household goods, personal effects and vehicles provided they file a re-export bond good for six months or pay the levied Customs duties/taxes. For permanent resident, all used household goods and personal effects are allowed full tax and duty-free entry on one shipment (air or sea). A non-resident/retiree (first time to settle) may import all used household goods and personal effects not exceeding U.S. $7,800 tax and duty-free.

The dutiable/restricted items are animals, fish, and plants; films, video tapes, and disks; medicines; telecommunication equipment; color reproduction machine; motor vehicle parts.

The following items are prohibited to import to the Phillippines: firearms and ammunition; realistic toy guns; narcotics, opium, and opium smoking paraphernalia; drugs intended for abortion; pornography; adulterated and misbranded drugs; counterfeit, altered, or imitated coins, paper money, banknotes, and securities; gambling machines and articles; gold/silver and precious metal bullion; commercial quantities of foodstuffs, used clothing, and rags.