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Importing to the Philippines With TradeWise as Your Importer of Record

The Philippines is a fast-growing market for IT services and data centers, and its offices need a steady flow of IT equipment. Importing to the Philippines needs NTC type approval for wireless gear, an accredited importer and product standards checks before your goods land. Every shipment you import into the Philippines is checked against these records. One missed step can lead to rejection. We act as your importer of record in the Philippines and manage the filings for you.

Trade lanes from Philippines to Gulf, Europe and the USAManilaGulfEuropeUSA

Trade lanes from Philippines to Gulf, Europe and the USA

VAT
12%
Duties
0% on most IT
Lead time
3 to 4 weeks
Restricted
Unapproved radio devices
Best carrier
Courier, forwarder
Non-working days
Sat & Sun
Language
Filipino & English

Mandatory NTC Type Approval for Wireless Equipment Entering the Philippines

Every radio and telecom device needs NTC type approval, and many need an import permit, before it lands.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) approves radio and telecom equipment.

Approved models can then be imported under the right permit or dealer licence. The Bureau of Customs checks NTC papers before release. Devices without them can be held or seized.

Applies toSea freightAir freight

What Exporters Need to Know

  • Check the device typeWi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular devices need NTC type approval.
  • Nominate your importerYou can name TradeWise as the importer of record for every filing.
  • Accredit the importerThe importer must be accredited with the Bureau of Customs.
  • Check product standardsSome electrical products need a DTI-BPS import clearance.

Exporter Held Approval, With TradeWise as IOR

How TradeWise Supports Exporters Shipping to the Philippines

First, you share your invoice, product details and test reports. Then, you mention TradeWise as the official entity legally responsible for importing your goods into the country. Once you set up this process, all your future shipments go through the same smooth process. You stay listed as the exporter on every document. We handle all import formalities in the Philippines.

Ask about NTC setup

Philippines spotlight

Your Philippines Shipment, Step by Step

Every Philippines shipment follows this path when TradeWise is your importer of record.

Pre-arrival filingNTC type approval
  1. Approvals are secured

    NTC type approval, permits and any DTI-BPS clearance.

  2. Declaration is filed

    We file it through the customs online system.

  3. Duties are paid

    Import duty and VAT.

  4. Cargo Ships and Clears

    Customs checks are completed, then the goods are released.

Import Requirements for the Philippines

What Philippine Customs Checks Before Your Goods Are Released

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) clears all imports.

Most IT products enter at 0% duty under the WTO Information Technology Agreement. VAT of 12% is charged on the landed cost. Wondering how to import laptops and servers to the Philippines? Start with these four checks.

Regulator ApprovalWireless devices need NTC type approval.
Accredited ImporterGoods clear under a BOC-accredited importer.
Duty by HS CodeEach line item is classified, then VAT is added on top.
Product StandardsSome electrical products need DTI-BPS clearance.

Before you ship

Your Philippines Shipment File

  1. Commercial invoiceFull product details and values
    Required
  2. Shipping listAlso called the packing list, it links the invoice line by line
    Required
  3. Bill of lading or air waybillMatches the invoice and shipping list
    Required
  4. NTC certificate and permitNeeded for radio and telecom devices
    Required
  5. Certificate of originNeeded for lower duty under trade agreements
    If applicable

TradeWise prepares and checks this whole file for you before dispatch.

Population
115.8 M
Capital
Manila
Biggest export
Integrated circuits
Biggest import
Refined petroleum

Asia region

Documents and Pre-Shipment Checks

Many Asian markets check documents carefully long before the cargo arrives. Port delays occur when compliance documents slip away. That is where TradeWise steps in. TradeWise guarantees that necessary certificates of conformity and export records are conducted by our specialists before your shipment leaves. TradeWise takes on the backend convolution saving you time.

Unique Pain Points and Challenges Facing the Philippines

These five issues slow down most shipments.

Several approvals to satisfy

NTC, DTI-BPS and the BOC each check part of the file.

Importer accreditation

Unaccredited importers cannot file entries.

Typhoon season

Storms can close ports and offices.

Valuation disputes

If you write a price on your paperwork that is lower than what your goods are actually worth, customs will notice.

Port congestion

Manila ports can get busy, which adds days.

Countries Associated With the Philippines

Are you shipping to multiple markets? Open the guide for each country on your route.

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Outbound

Export Requirements for the Philippines

  • Export DeclarationFiled with customs for every export, with the commercial invoice.
  • Certificate of OriginIssued by the BOC, or under ASEAN and RCEP rules.
  • Export LicenceNeeded first for strategic goods and dual-use technology.
  • Duty DrawbackPossible on goods imported and later re-exported.

Specialized Solutions and Services for the Philippines

Three services remove the most common causes of delay in the Philippines.

Expert Importer of Record (IOR) Services

TradeWise prepares and files every customs document correctly. Our IOR services in the Philippines help you import IT equipment to the Philippines without holds or delay.

IOR

NTC Approval Support

We prepare and submit your NTC file, so approval is ready before dispatch.

NTC Approval

Customs Valuation Services

Our team values your goods from the beginning and our team works to avoid costly revaluations of your goods.

Valuation

Philippine Compliance Regulations

These are the Philippines import regulations for IT equipment, the authorities and rules your goods must satisfy before they can be sold or used. Do I need an importer of record in the Philippines? If you have no local entity, yes. TradeWise can take that role.

Most Important for Tech Imports

NTC Type Approval

NTC approves radio and telecom equipment, including routers, Wi-Fi access points, phones and IoT devices. Applications need test reports and a local applicant, and some products need a permit for each shipment. Plan for about two to six weeks.

TradeWise compiles and submits the full NTC file for you to speed up approval and Philippines import customs clearance.

Bureau of Customs

This government body manages imports and exports. It collects duty and VAT, and checks required licences.

DTI-BPS

The Bureau of Philippine Standards sets mandatory product standards.

Bureau of Internal Revenue

It manages VAT and importer tax registration.

The Philippines' Trade at a Glance

The Philippines is a fast-growing market for IT services and data centers. Manila, Batangas and Cebu handle most of its sea cargo.

Its main trading partners include China, Japan, the United States and South Korea.

Several approvals, accreditation rules and typhoons are real hurdles. With the right partner, shipments stay compliant, efficient, and cost-effective, whether you import tech goods or export dual-use products.

ChinaJapanUnited StatesSouth Korea

Important Dates

Public holidays and typhoons can delay shipping deadlines.

March or April

Holy Week

Offices close for several days.

12 June

Independence Day

The main national holiday.

24 December to 1 January

Christmas and New Year

Offices slow down for the long season.

Every Week

Saturday and Sunday

The weekend in the Philippines. Plan customs work for Monday to Friday.

Ready to Ship to the Philippines?

Tell us what you are shipping. Our team will help you with all the requirements and paperwork. After that, we will send you a quote with every cost listed.

  • Reply within one business day
  • Every cost quoted upfront
  • Philippines requirements confirmed before you ship

Emailinfo@tradewiseint.com

Phone+971 50 713 0614

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