The Philippines comprises 7600-plus islands, 53 active volcanoes, and hundreds of beaches, mountains, and rainforests. From this beauty and great biodiversity is a country rich in minerals transitioning from an agricultural economy to one more reliant on services and manufacturing.
E-commerce in the Philippines is growing annually at nearly 8% and close to 75% of Filipinos actively use social media.
And with 10 million of its citizens living overseas - one of the largest diasporas in the world - shipping to the Philippines is more lucrative than ever.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Philippines through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to the Philippines. Whether you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Philippines
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 1, 2023
8:49 am
Davao, DA, PH
Delivered
May 31, 2023
7:18 am
Cebu, CE, PH
In transit
May 30, 2023
9:03 pm
Baguio, BA, PH
International Clearance
May 30, 2023
8:14 am
Manila, MA, PH
In transit
May 30, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 29, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Philippines before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
Documents can be shipped to the Philippines from Canada without a commercial invoice providing the shipment contains 10 or fewer pieces and follows the criteria in the list below.
Airline tickets, passports, traveller's cheques, and visa applications
Annual reports, intercompany mail (no weight limits), and company newsletters
Blueprints (no weight limits), bids and proposals
Brochures, catalogues, pamphlets, and price lists
Business cards
Cash letters (no weight limits) and cheques
Charts and computer print-outs
Envelopes (must be blank; no weight limit)
Forms (must be blank)
Greeting cards and invitations
Manuscripts, magazines, newspapers, periodicals, and and other publications
Gift shipments to the Philippines do not have exemption rules, meaning duties and taxes apply to all parcels shipped from Canada.
Individual customs examiners determine duties based on the value of a shipment and the amount within the package.
Balikbayan Boxes
Balikbayan boxes are made from corrugated cardboard,
and they are used by Filipinos living overseas - including Canada - to ship gifts and souvenirs to their relatives.
These boxes have evolved from the Philippine culture and tradition of sending home souvenirs when travelling.
The rules for balikbayan boxes are as follows:
May contain only non-commercial goods or goods for personal use (commercial quantities are not allowed)
The value of the shipment must be a maximum of $500 USD (about $650 CDN)
A Filipino may only send 1 box during a 6-month period
NOTE:
A consolidated door-to-door shipment means 2 or more balikbayan boxes from 2 or more senders are assembled and combined together in Canada; and then shipped as a single bill of lading or airway bill to a consolidator agent in the Philippines.
Consolidated balikbayan boxes may only be consolidated in Canada by a licenced and registered foreign freight forwarding consolidator who registered with a Philippine consular office.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Each shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in the Philippines will be assessed by customs officials to determine if duties and taxes will be owing.
The value of the goods plus their quantities decide how much will be charged.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Shipments from a business in Canada to a business in the Philippines cannot be considered a gift - duties and taxes would have to be paid.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
Gifts sent to an individual care of a business address in the Philippines will also incur taxes and charges regardless of the value of the gift.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
José Rizal ℅ Fort Santiago Intramuros Manila 1002 Metro Manila Philippines
Phone: +63 (2) 8 527 1572
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
See the note above regarding balikbayan boxes.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
José Rizal ℅ Fort Santiago Intramuros Manila 1002 Metro Manila Philippines
Phone: +63 (2) 8 527 1572
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
The following focuses on shipping personal effects of Filipino citizens to the Philippines.
(Information regarding shipping personal effects of non-Filipino citizens from Canada is unavailable at this time.)
Shipping personal effects to the Philippines from Canada can be done duty and tax free with provisions based on the category of the Filipino.
The 4 categories of Filipinos are:
Returning Filipino Residents
Overseas Filipino Workers
Balikbayans
Overseas Filipinos (see Moving Permanently for details)
Everyone must abide by the conditions and limitations shown below:
The goods are not to be traded, sold, or bartered
the shipment is not of a commercial quantity
no prohibited goods are in the shipment
if the goods are restricted, they have been endorsed by the appropriate regulatory agency
the goods have been endorsed by the Department of Finance
Duty and Tax Free Conditions for Filipinos
Definitions of Filipino Categories
Duty and Tax Free Conditions
Returning Resident
Nationals who have stayed in Canada for
6 or more months
Allowable Goods
Previously exported household and personal effects,
such as appliances and luxury items,
providing they were declared before leaving the Philippines
Household effects purchased in Canada, but not luxury items
Clothing and shoes, and items for personal adornment
Toiletries
Professional tools and instruments
Value Limit of a Shipment
A maximum of PHP 350,000 (about $9100 CDN) if in Canada for 10 years or more
a maximum of PHP 250,000 (about $6500 CDN) if in Canada between 5 and 10 years
a maximum of PHP 150,000 (about $3900 CDN) if in Canada for less than 5 years
Overseas Workers
Hold a valid Philippine passport
certified by the Philippine government
to work overseas
Allowable Goods
All of the entitlements of a returning resident
home appliances and other durables - a maximum of 1 of each type arriving within 60 days of the return of the person
Value Limit of a Shipment
a maximum of PHP 150,000 (about $3900 CDN)
Balikbayans
Filipino citizen who has been in Canada
for at least 1 year continuously
He or she may be an overseas worker, or former Filipino citizen,
or their family,
who are a naturalized Canadian
Allowable Goods in balikbayan boxes
Balikbayan boxes are limited to non-commercial quantities of personal items such as clothing, shoes, foodstuffs, canned goods
Limits to a Shipment
A maximum value of $500 USD (about $650 CDN)
1 box per 6-month period per sender
Moving Temporarily
No information regarding moving temporarily to the Philippines is available at this time.
Moving Permanently
Overseas Filipinos (see definition below) who are returning to the Philippines to reside permanently may do so with their personal effects free of duties and taxes.
Personal effects include:
Clothing and shoes
Household effects, like appliances and furniture
Professional tools and instruments for employment, or a trade, or one's occupation
The following rules must be followed to ensure duties and taxes are not incurred:
The personal effects are not to be sold or bartered
The shipment arrives with the person or within a reasonable period of time
The goods were in their home in Canada
Overseas Filipinos are defined as follows:
May be a Filipino national or his/her family and descendants
Residents or citizens of Canada
Personal Effects Checklist
Write 'Personal and Household Effects' on the commercial invoice
Personal and Household Effects Declaration (PHED) Form - required for returning residents and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) - see Annex A at the end of this
document.
José Rizal ℅ Fort Santiago Intramuros Manila 1002 Metro Manila Philippines
Phone: +63 (2) 8 527 1572
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
5 Pairs
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
IN
$40.00
1 Each
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
CA
$478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Personal Effects Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Many foodstuffs are allowed into the Philippines from Canada providing they are approved by the Philippines Food and Drug Administration or the Department of Health.
Shipments must be:
for personal use
shipped in a Balikbayan Box, as unaccompanied effects, or by post or courier service
You May Ship
Processed and cooked food (maximum 10 kg)
Do Not Ship
Fresh foods such as fruit and fish
Frozen meat
Processed foods containing milk and milk byproducts, such as
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
José Rizal ℅ Fort Santiago Intramuros Manila 1002 Metro Manila Philippines
Phone: +63 (2) 8 527 1572
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Temporary admission of samples is done to promote products and encourage orders.
Samples of goods are allowed entry into the Philippines providing they are unsellable and of no commercial value - less than PHP 10,000 (about $230 CDN).
They must also be shipped:
In small quantities
With authorization of the Secretary of Finance
Samples of medicines are also allowed duty-free entry to the Philippines from Canada with the following conditions:
They are clearly and permanently marked with: SAMPLE - SALE PUNISHABLE BY LAW
They are being imported to introduce a new medicine to the Philippine market
It is a one-time importation and in NOT shipped in bulk or in a commercial size container
The importer is a registered and recognised medical professional
The importation has been authorized by the Secretary of Finance and the Secretary of Health
The samples are new medications not currently available in the Philippines
José Rizal ℅ Fort Santiago Intramuros Manila 1002 Metro Manila Philippines
Phone: +63 (2) 8 527 1572
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Advertising Material
No information is available regarding shipping advertising material to the Philippines from Canada.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
José Rizal ℅ Fort Santiago Intramuros Manila 1002 Metro Manila Philippines
Phone: +63 (2) 8 527 1572
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Equipment can be shipped to the Philippines from Canada for repair, service,
and refurbishment duty and tax free for a period up to 6 months, which can be extended for another 6 months if required.
The equipment must be returned to Canada after this time.
Items Under Warranty
No GST will be charged for equipment and items under warranty that are repaired in the Philippines and returned to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
GST will be charged if an item is sent to the Philippines for repairs and is no longer under warranty.
GST will be applied to the value of the repair work plus any parts added for the repair and on any duties charged.
Sending Product for Repair to the Philippines
The Philippines allows for the entry of product for repairs and reconditioning without the payment of taxes and duties providing the equipment is returned to Canada within 6 months.
This time frame can be extended by 6 months if needed.
Returning Product After Repairs are Completed
If your product has been repaired in Canada and is being returned back to the Philippines, ensure to do the following:
Write 'REPAIR & RETURN' on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section
Indicate the value of the product INCLUDING the cost of the repair under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Be sure to write the necessary information on the commercial invoice according to the document checklist below.
Repair Checklist
Commercial Invoice must clearly state under the General Description or Remarks section the following:
'REPAIR & RETURN' and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
José Rizal ℅ Fort Santiago Intramuros Manila 1002 Metro Manila Philippines
Phone: +63 (2) 8 527 1572
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods can be temporarily imported into the Philippines from Canada free of duties and taxes for a period up to 6 months.
Typical items that qualify for temporary admission include:
Instruments for measurement
Devices used for testing, checking, and calibrating equipment
Goods and materials for exhibitions, meetings, and fairs
Material and equipment for educational, cultural, and scientific purposes
Equipment for cinematography,broadcasting, and media events
ATA Carnets
At the moment, the Philippines does not accept ATA Carnets.
However, the Philippines' application to be admitted to the Customs Convention on ATA Carnet for the Temporary Admission
of Goods is awaiting the Filipino President's signature.
ATA Carnets are very useful for goods that frequently leave and return to Canada. As well, once you have an ATA Carnet,
it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide, which makes the application a one-time occurrence.
While ATA Carnets and are beyond the scope of this article,
information can be obtained at your local Chamber of Commerce. More information is available here:
http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
José Rizal ℅ Fort Santiago Intramuros Manila 1002 Metro Manila Philippines
Phone: +63 (2) 8 527 1572
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
All goods shipped from Canada for permanent entry to the Philippines will incur duties and taxes.
There are 2 types of Entries into the Philippines: Informal and Formal Entry
Informal Entry:
Commercial goods where the Declared Customs Value (aka. Free on Board - FOB), has a value of less than PHP 50,000 (about $1280 CDN).
Formal Entry:
Commercial goods with a Declared Customs Value (aka. Free on Board - FOB) of PHP 50,000 or greater.
We recommend using the services of a Filipino customs broker for Formal Entries.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
José Rizal ℅ Fort Santiago Intramuros Manila 1002 Metro Manila Philippines
Phone: +63 (2) 8 527 1572
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Philippines. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Philippines, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
Prohibited imports are those not allowed to enter the Philippines whereas those deemed restricted may enter,
but with limits to quantities or other conditions.
Prohibited Items
Weapons, and their parts; ammunition and explosives
Gambling devices
Sweepstakes and lottery tickets
All illegal drugs and narcotics
Any material inciting rebellion, treason, or insurrection against the Filipino government
Any material that threatens harm to a person
Materials intended for an unlawful abortion
Printed matter that supplies any information regarding illegal abortions
Any obscene or immoral material
Foods and goods for human consumption that have been altered or misbranded
Goods made from precious metals and alloys without a quality indicator of the metal
Goods that infringe on intellectual property laws and similar laws
A complete list of prohibited and restricted commodities and goods, and the agencies regulating them, can be found by clicking here and here.
Restricted Items
Regulated (restricted) products and goods may be shipped to the Philippines in the quantities and conditions shown below, and if they:
Are only for personal use
shipped using a courier or through the post, or via a balikbayan box
Wines and Liquors
(Maximum 2 bottles, but not exceeding 1.5 L in total)
Children's toys (10 pieces of different types, but only 2 of any one type)
Processed and baked food(Maximum of 10 kg)
Cosmetics (Maximum of 5 kg)
Perfume (Maximum of 5 item)
Lipstick (Maximum 10 sticks of various types, but only 3 of any one type)
Bar soap (Maximum of 2 kg of a variety of soaps, but only 500 g of any one type)
Shampoo (Maximum of 2 kg)
Lotion (Maximum 2 kg of different types, but only 1 kg of any one type)
Import duties and taxes on shipments from Canada to the Philippines are calculated based on the sum of the Customs Value,
Insurance Amount, and Freight costs (shipping costs). This is known as CIF.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
Philippines imposes several different duties and taxes on imports. They are summarised in the table
below
.
The major restriction for an individual importing goods into the Philippines is that the maximum value of goods is $3,000 USD (about $3,900 CDN).
If you are a Canadian company shipping goods, you can hire the services of the Philippinesian post office to pay the taxes owing on your shipment,
completing the documentation, and delivering the parcel to the receiver.
Thresholds
A shipment sent by international post has a de minimis value of $50 USD (about $65 CDN).
This means a shipment of $50 USD or less will be exempt from import tax providing both the sender and recipient are individuals.
Medicines for humans imported for the use of an individual will be exempt from import tax up to the value of $10,000 USD (about $13,000 CDN).
(A prescription may be required to prove the individual requires the medication.)
Currency
Real (BRL)
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
$50 USD (about $65 CDN)
Duty Calculation Method
Duty Rate
CIF
60%
ICMS TAX (VAT)
17 - 20% (varies for each Philippinesian state)
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
$50 USD
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Philippinesian Duties & Taxes
Name
Description
Rate
Import Duty
Applied to all goods
60%
ICMS Value Added Tax (VAT)
A state tax applied to goods,
communication,
and transportation services
17 - 20%
(depends on which state the shipment is destined for)
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to the Philippines from Canada can take between 3-8 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2 months to complete the delivery.
