Importing Goods to the Philippines: Insights From a Trusted Forwarding Company

 

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. It is best to consult with your customs broker to be sure about your products.

Let Us Help Move Your Goods

As a leading forwarding company in the Philippines, Cheska Freight helps make importing of goods to the country simpler and more convenient. We provide quality freight forwarding services and customs clearance assistance to expedite your shipment.

Our freight forwarding services include dealing with carriers and comparing prices, so you don’t have to. With a reputable company like us, you know that your single point of contact can handle all your import needs and processes. We’ve been in the business of customs representation and entries facilitation for over two decades, after all.

Our team of licensed customs brokers has vast knowledge on import guidelines, tariff laws, and trade agreements between the Philippines and other countries in ASEAN and AMEA regions. We handle paperwork for customs clearance, as well as other necessary documentation. We keep you informed of the status of your shipment.

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. Expect our agents to be in constant communication with you to get all the relevant information about your shipment. This way, we help you avoid unnecessary delays and fees.

Moreover, we will anticipate the extra steps our customs brokers need to take like securing permits from administering agencies for your convenience.

We understand that importing goods plays an important role in your supply chain and business operations. You may handle the process on your own, but it’s smarter to delegate this task to a trusted freight forwarding company like us. This way, you have more time to spend and focus on other aspects of your business.

Be guided by our cargo delivery and customs brokerage team on matters regarding importation. We handle cargo and customs clearance with care.

Contact us today for more details.