Importing to the Philippines: Are your Goods Welcome in the Country?
The Philippine market is one of the largest and fastest growing in South East Asia. The country’s economy continues to show promise, too. HSBC predicted that ours will become the 17th largest economy in the world by 2050.
It’s no surprise then that many foreign companies are interested in gaining a foothold on our soil. They want to expand their business potential by importing goods and introducing new products to local consumers.
The First Thing Importers Should Know
Importing goods, in general, is a complicated process. Importers need to meet a number of requirements and meet legal parameters before they can gain clearance for imported goods. Finding a cargo delivery service to the Philippines, therefore, is the easy part. Before a customs clearance broker can begin processing for clearance, importers should first know if Customs will allow their goods entrance into the country.
Types of Importation
The Bureau of Customs provides four classifications for imported goods:
Free Goods – All goods under this category may enter or leave the country without clearances, permits, or licenses (with exceptions, as stated by the law).
Regulated Goods – These goods may enter or leave the country if importers or exporters have acquired the necessary clearances, licenses, and other requirements prior to importation.
Restricted Goods – These goods may not enter or leave the country except when laws or regulations authorize it.
Prohibited Goods – These goods may not cross our borders; no exceptions.
Commercial businesses are unlikely to import or export Restricted or Prohibited goods like drugs, unauthorized weaponry, and materials inciting treason or rebellion. On the other hand, the law also prohibits goods that average people may not consider dangerous, such as misbranded food, pirated goods, gambling paraphernalia, and pornographic materials. Consult with your customs broker to be sure about your products.
At Cheska Freight, we thoroughly discuss the importation process with clients. Count on us to inform you which classification the goods you want to import falls under. Moreover, we will anticipate the extra steps our customs brokers need to take like securing permits from administering agencies for your convenience.
Be guided by our cargo delivery and customs brokerage team on matters regarding importation. Contact us today for more details.
