- Location: Philippines
FREE IMPORT GUIDE
Bringing food or drinks into the Philippines? Use this checklist to see which documents your shipment may need before it leaves your supplier. Rules differ by product, origin and agency, so treat it as a starting point.
A general guide.
This guide can’t replace a review of your shipment, and a product listed here isn’t automatically supported. Licensed providers handle regulated customs work.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Each item shows when it usually applies and who normally provides it. Use the shortcuts to jump straight to the group you need.
Key:
Usually prepared by your supplier or forwarder. Check that names, quantities and values match across every document. For example, if the invoice shows 500 cartons but the packing list shows 480, expect questions at clearance
Official source: Bureau of Customs (BOC) importation guidelines
Shows the seller, buyer, goods, quantities and value. Used to assess duties and taxes
Usually from: Supplier
Shows how the goods are packed, with weights and package counts for each line.
Usually from: Supplier
The transport document issued for sea or air freight.
Usually from: Carrier or forwarder
Confirms where the goods were made. It matters if you’re claiming a lower tariff rate under a trade agreement. The agreement itself decides what proof of origin is required.
Usually from: Supplier
Set up once, then kept current. Without these, shipments can’t be cleared in your business name. Repeat importers should check that registrations are still valid before each new order
Official sources: Bureau of Customs (BOC) importation guidelines · Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) guidance for food importers and distributors
Registration with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) that allows your business to lodge import entries.
Usually from: You, the importer
Required for businesses importing or distributing food products covered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Check whether your product falls under FDA regulation, and confirm your licence hasn’t expired.
Usually from: You, the importer
May be needed for each FDA-covered product. Whether it applies depends on the product’s category and intended use, so confirm both first.
Usually from: You, the importer
These depend on what you import. Meat, dairy, seafood, plant products and some ingredients have extra requirements. First confirm which agency is responsible for your product. Where a clearance is required, get it before your goods ship, then check its validity dates and conditions.
Official source: Department of Agriculture (DA) department circulars on import
clearances
Issued by the relevant Department of Agriculture (DA) agency for animal, fishery or plant products, usually before the goods are shipped.
Usually from: You, via the agency
Issued by the exporting country’s authority to confirm the goods meet health requirements.
Usually from: Supplier
Labels must meet Philippine requirements, including importer details and required product information.
Usually from: You and your supplier
Tell us what you’re importing and where it’s coming from. We’ll look at the details and suggest the next step, with nothing for you to commit to.
EXPLORE MORE
Check your documents and registrations are in order, so problems don’t repeat.
Understand who handles each step, alongside your licensed customs broker.
See what you actually paid in duties, taxes and fees, and why.
