1. Your category in Philippines
Pick your category and this section shows what we actually hold for Philippines: how many potential buyers we have verified, what roles they play in the supply chain, and how well they fit. Switch back to All industries at any time.
“Potential buyers” means the buyers we have verified and listed in our own directory — not every importer in the country. Buyer roles are our own grouping of the roles recorded in that directory. (7 of these records do not yet carry a recorded buyer role.)
2. Entry gate
The Philippines follows an ASEAN-aligned import rulebook, so the paperwork is familiar if you already ship to the region. The sequencing trap is the BPS certification: for products on the standards list, the PS or ICC mark must exist before the goods clear, and the licence is held by the Philippine importer or a registered local entity — not by you. Confirm which HS lines are covered before you quote, and treat the importer's BPS file as a pre-shipment task, not a customs-day task.
| Requirement | Status | What it involves | Lead time | Cost | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPS PS / ICC certification | Mandatory (listed goods) | The Bureau of Product Standards operates a mandatory certification scheme for products within its standard coverage. Locally produced goods carry the PS mark; imported goods carry the ICC mark, applied for by the Philippine importer against a valid test report. | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| Importer accreditation | Mandatory | The importing party must be registered with the Philippine Bureau of Customs and hold the relevant import accreditation for the goods. A foreign seller cannot declare goods as importer of record; appoint a Philippine-registered importer. | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| Product registration | Sector-specific | Certain categories — electrical products, batteries, and goods with radio or telecom functions — also require registration with the relevant agency alongside the BPS file. Check the coverage list for your HS code before committing to a lead time. | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| Tariff (MFN) | Always applies | Average applied MFN tariff around 3.9%; the rate depends on the HS line and must be confirmed line by line at HS-code level. | — | On customs value | Pending |
| Tariff (preference) | Available (Form E) | The China–ASEAN Free Trade Area (ACFTA) applies. A Form E certificate of origin issued for the shipment allows the importer to claim the ACFTA preferential rate instead of the MFN rate. The certificate must match the consignment and the HS code exactly. | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| VAT | Always applies | A 12% value-added tax applies on the CIF value plus duty at the point of import, collected by the Bureau of Customs. It is recoverable by a VAT-registered importer, so it is a cash-flow item rather than a final cost to your buyer. | — | 12% | Pending |
| Labelling | Mandatory | Labels are normally required in English, showing the product name, the importer's name and address, country of origin and any safety warnings. For covered products the PS or ICC mark must be affixed to the item or its packaging. | Pending | — | Pending |
Certification, tariff and clearance figures change. Every row above carries a verification date, and the current requirement is confirmed with your nominated local agent before each shipment.
3. Buyers and channel partners
Leading buyers and channel partners
How to use this list: do not mass-mail. Philippine purchasing is relationship-led and specification-aware — send the technical file, test reports and your BPS status in the first email. A distributor that already holds an ICC mark for your category is worth more than a larger buyer starting from zero.
4. Demand and import profile
Select your HS code and this block shows the import performance of your own category in Philippines — not the country's macro numbers.
Import size & growth
Example: imports of this category run at a double-digit share of the market's total and are growing faster than overall imports.
Example values · to be replaced with OEC / WITS data for your HS line
Source-country mix
Example: China is the largest source, ahead of regional and EU suppliers.
Example values · to be replaced with OEC / WITS data for your HS line
Price band
Example: the mid price band is where Chinese supply competes; the low band is held by regional producers.
Example values · to be replaced with customs / trade data
What we can supply to this market
These are the lines we have found the strongest fit for Philippines. Specifications are on the product pages; tell us your application and we will confirm the model.
5. Landed-cost calculator
A static table cannot persuade anyone. Enter your own numbers and see the landed cost. Duty rate and freight are editable so you can test scenarios.
Your shipment
Estimated landed cost
Illustrative calculation only. It excludes anti-dumping duty, excise, port storage and any category-specific surcharge. Confirm the duty rate and local charges with your forwarder before making a commitment.
6. Logistics and customs
Clearance-day figures change with congestion and policy; treat as indicative and confirm before quoting.
7. Payment, currency and tax
8. Localisation and communication
These are the details nobody tells you, and one mistake can cost you a customer.
9. Risks and timing
Frequently asked questions
Do I need BPS certification to sell into the Philippines?
For products within the Bureau of Product Standards coverage list, yes. Imported goods require an ICC mark, applied for by the Philippine importer against a valid test report; locally made goods carry the PS mark. Confirm whether your HS code is covered before quoting.
Can I act as the importer of record myself?
No. Customs requires a Philippine-registered importer holding the relevant Bureau of Customs accreditation. Most exporters work through a Philippine distributor or agent as importer of record.
What is the import duty on my product?
The weighted mean applied tariff is around 3.9%. Under ACFTA, a Form E certificate of origin lets the importer claim the preferential rate. Always confirm the exact rate for your HS code.
How much is VAT on imports?
12%, charged on the CIF value plus duty. It is recoverable by a VAT-registered importer, so it affects cash flow rather than final landed cost.
Which port should I ship to?
Manila — Port of Manila or the Manila International Container Terminal — handles most container traffic and is the usual first choice. Subic, Cebu and Davao serve regional and southern buyers.
How should payment be arranged?
T/T with a deposit and the balance against copy of B/L is standard. Use an L/C at sight for larger or first-time orders, and invoice in USD to avoid peso exposure.
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