As a small business owner exporting from China to the Philippines, I quickly learned that obtaining the correct shipping permits for the Philippines is essential to avoid delays or fines. Here’s how I handled it step-by-step:

Step 1: Understand What Permits You Need

Before shipping, I checked with my freight forwarder and the Philippine Bureau of Customs to identify whether my product required an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC), Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) certificate, or other sector-specific permits. Electronics, food, and health items often have additional requirements.

Step 2: Schedule a Pre-Shipment Inspection

For regulated items, I arranged a pre-shipment inspection for Philippines orders through a certified inspection agency. This step helped avoid surprises at customs and ensured compliance with Philippine import standards.

Step 3: Register with the BOC (if applicable)

If you’re a direct importer, registering as an importer with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is necessary. My local partner in the Philippines handled this part, but it’s good to be aware of.

Step 4: Choose the Right Delivery Option

For orders going directly to Philippines buyers from China, I worked with a logistics provider that offers DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) or DAP (Delivered at Place). This helped smooth the customs process and ensured faster delivery.

Step 5: Submit All Documents

Once everything was ready, my forwarder helped submit commercial invoices, the bill of lading, inspection certificates, and my shipping permit to the proper channels. Having these documents correctly prepared saved me both time and cost at the port.

People Also Ask (PAA)

1. Do I need a shipping permit for every product sent to the Philippines?
Not all products require permits, but regulated items like food, cosmetics, electronics, and chemicals typically do.

2. Who arranges pre-shipment inspections for Philippine-bound goods?
Your freight forwarder or an authorized inspection agency can schedule the pre-shipment inspection based on your cargo type.

3. Can I send goods directly to buyers in the Philippines from China?
Yes, many logistics companies offer Philippines buyer delivery options from China, including DDP and DAP.

4. How long does it take to get shipping permits for the Philippines?
It usually takes 3–7 business days, depending on the product type and agency involved in approval.

5. What documents are required for permit approval and customs clearance?
You will typically need a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, import permit, and any relevant inspection certificates.