Philippines Import Restrictions

In order to enter Philippines, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Philippines government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Philippines, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Philippines.

Philippines Import Regulations

Import regulations

Philippines requires an import permit for many goods. Before posting any item, senders should confirm that the addressee has any necessary permit. Senders should determine import restrictions before posting contraceptives, plants (or parts of plants), or silkworms and eggs.

 

Special documentation requirements

Commercial goods require an invoice. Commercial goods exceeding 3,000 pesos require an invoice endorsed by a Philippines consul. Insert one copy of the invoice in the article and attach another to its face. Attach a copy of any relevant letter of credit if the value exceeds $US 1,000.

Prohibitions

In addition to items prohibited by Dangerous and Prohibited Goods & Packaging Post Guide and ECI International Courier Regulations, Philippines prohibits:

  • Abortion-procurement items
  • Coffee
  • Copyright infringements
  • Currency, counterfeit
  • Firearms and firearm parts
  • Foodstuffs, adulterated
  • Fragile articles
  • Games of chance of any type
  • Liqueurs and spirits
  • Liquids or liquefiable elements
  • Lottery tickets and advertising
  • Medicines, adulterated
  • Replicas of weapons
  • Seditious materials
  • Toys and toys resembling weapons

Other prohibitions

The postal administration of the Philippines reserves the right not to accept any kind of letter post (ordinary, registered or insured) containing coins, currency notes or securities of any kind payable to the bearer, travellers cheques, platinum, gold or silver, whether manufactures or not, precious stones or other valuable articles.

Transporting food of any kind is prohibited under ECI Platinum.