Philippines Import Regulations

If you're a business and you plan to import products into the Philippines, you need to know the import regulations. If you are a business planning to send employees to the Philippines or you are planning to visit the Philippines, knowledge of Philippines Import Regulations is important. This article will highlight the various custom duties, steps of clearing imports into the Philippines, and some of the items not to be imported into the Philippines.

Custom Duties

The Philippines have three times of duties:

1) Import Duty

2) Value Added Tax (VAT)

3) Ad Valorem Tax

Import Duty

According to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations " all imported goods for consumption are subject to the payment of import duty prior to release of unless otherwise exempted." Most items will have to pay this tax.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

According to ASEAN "all imported goods are also subject to the payment of VAT at the uniform rate of 10% of the total landed cost." They also point out "even if the shipment is duty free, it may still be subject to VAT." If you have an item in question it may be prudent to ask Philippine officials before deciding to import the item in question.

Ad Valorem Tax

"A few commodities, like passenger automobiles, jewelry, alcohol, tobacco, etc. may also be subject" to the Ad Valorem tax when importing into the Philippines according to ASEAN in addition to the other taxes. This tax is based "on the make-up of the commodity."

Steps to Clearing Imports

Clearing imports into the Philippines is a four-step process according to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

1) Documentation

This is your paper work and includes shipping manifests, formal and informal entry forms, and "bill of lading, packing list, commercial invoice."

2) Inspection

The goods are going to be inspected, and the inspection results need to be turned in, as well.

3) Payment of duties

The duty taxes need to be paid for the items entering the Philippines.

4) Release from customs

Finally customs will release your goods if everything is acceptable and you are on your way to doing business in the Philippines.

Items not allowed to be imported into the Philippines

Just a highlight of items listed on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations site.

If it blows up, it is probably not allowed for importation into the Philippines. "Dynamite, gunpowder, ammunition and other explosives, fire-arms and weapons" are generally not allowed to be imported.

Anything printed against the Government is frowned on.

"Written or printed articles, negatives or cinematographic film, photographs, engravings, lithographs, objects, paintings, drawings or other representation of an obscene or immoral characters" not allowed into the country. Best bet is to keep it G-rated.

Anything which could aid, facilitate, instruct or help make an abortion is not allowed.

Gambling, drugs, and items for drugs should not be attempted to be imported the government does not approve.

Sources:

Association of Southeast Asian Nations