Philippines
PH · PHL
As of: 7/28/2026
Archipel-Markt mit Seefracht-Schwerpunkt; Elektronik-Exporthub und ASEAN-Drehscheibe
Capital: Manila
ASEAN / AFTASeaAirRoadInland WaterwayImport VAT: 12 Prozent VAT auf die Summe aus Zollwert, Zoll und allfälliger Verbrauchsteuer. De-minimis-Freigrenze 10'000 PHP FOB ohne Zoll und VAT (CAO 02-2025, gültig ab 7.5.2025).Customs: mittel bis hochRisk: mittelPharma/Cold Chain: hochDangerous Goods: mittelE-Commerce: hoch
Overview
The Philippines (PH) is an archipelago market of more than 7,600 islands in Southeast Asia where sea freight dominates; the country is an electronics exporter and an ASEAN member (ATIGA, RCEP). Customs clearance runs electronically through the e2m system and the National Single Window/TradeNet under the CMTA (RA 10863); import VAT is 12 percent, and shipments up to PHP 10,000 FOB are exempt from duty and VAT (CAO 02-2025). For Swiss exporters, the EFTA-Philippines free trade agreement has been in force since 1 June 2018. The main gateways are the Port of Manila (South Harbor/MICT, around 70 percent of foreign trade), complemented by Cebu, Davao, Subic Bay and Batangas, plus the air-cargo hubs Manila NAIA, Mactan-Cebu and Clark. On land, the Pan-Philippine Highway and the RoRo Nautical Highway link the main islands; there is little freight rail. Key exports are electronics and semiconductors, coconut products and nickel; the main trading partners are the United States, China and Japan.
Area300,000 km²
Population112,729,484
CurrencyPhilippine Peso (PHP)
Economic areaASEAN / AFTA
ContinentAsien
ReligionsChristentum, Islam
ISO codePH / PHL
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Bureau of Customs (BOC)Import system
Elektronische Abfertigung über das e2m Customs System (Electronic-to-Mobile) und das Philippine National Single Window/TradeNet. Rechtsgrundlage ist der CMTA (Republic Act 10863).
Export system
Ausfuhranmeldung elektronisch über e2m und das National Single Window/TradeNet; akkreditierte Ausführer und Zollagenten lodgen die Export Declaration vor Verschiffung.
Import VAT
- 12 Prozent VAT auf die Summe aus Zollwert, Zoll und allfälliger Verbrauchsteuer. De-minimis-Freigrenze 10'000 PHP FOB ohne Zoll und VAT (CAO 02-2025, gültig ab 7.5.2025).
Customs complexitymittel bis hoch
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Bill of Lading oder Air Waybill
- Import Declaration (e2m/TradeNet)
- Ursprungsnachweis bei FTA
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Bill of Lading oder Air Waybill
- Export Declaration (e2m/TradeNet)
- Certificate of Origin
Origin proofs / FTA
PH-EFTA-FTA (für die Schweiz seit 1.6.2018 in Kraft): Ursprungserklärung oder EUR.1. Im ASEAN-Handel Form D (ATIGA); weitere Nachweise je nach Abkommen.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Einfuhrregulierte/-verbotene Waren u.a. Waffen und Sprengstoff, Drogen und Vorläuferstoffe, gewisse Chemikalien, Gebrauchtfahrzeuge und bestimmte Agrar- und Gesundheitsgüter (Genehmigungspflicht).
Export controls & sanctions
Strategic Trade Management Act (RA 10697): Genehmigung der STMO (unter dem DTI) für strategische Güter der NSGL. Umsetzung der UN-Sanktionen; keine eigenständigen Embargos.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Asia) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Asia. Product requirements, certificates, and clearance processes can vary significantly by destination.
Documents (typical)
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Air
highSea
highRoad
mediumRail
lowInland Waterway
mediumCargo airports
- Manila NAIA (MNL)
- Mactan-Cebu (CEB)
- Clark (CRK)
- Davao (DVO)
- General Santos (GES)
Seaports / access ports
- Manila (South Harbor & MICT)
- Cebu (CIP)
- Davao (DICT)
- Subic Bay
- Batangas
- General Santos
- Cagayan de Oro
Road corridors & border crossings
- Pan-Philippine Highway (Maharlika)
- Strong Republic Nautical Highway (RoRo)
- NLEX/SLEX-Korridor Metro Manila
Top trade lanes
- Philippinen-China
- Philippinen-USA
- Philippinen-Japan
- Philippinen-ASEAN (Singapur)
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskmittel
Customs delay riskmittel bis hoch
Port congestion riskmittel bis hoch
Risk notes
Inselgeografie erzwingt See- und Lufttransport; Manila bündelt rund 70 Prozent des Aussenhandels und neigt zu Überlastung. Taifune, Zollformalitäten und Strassenstaus in Metro Manila verlängern Laufzeiten.
Seasonal & weather risks
Taifunsaison von Juni bis November mit Starkregen, Sturmfluten und Überschwemmungen; Häfen und Strassen können zeitweise gesperrt oder verlangsamt sein.
Current logistics notes
Manila mit schwerer Hafenkongestion: Schiffswartezeiten im Schnitt rund 4,5 Tage, off-window über 5 Tage, Gesamtverspätungen 10-12 Tage nach Taifun Bavi; MICT-Yard-Auslastung 85-90 Prozent. Südwest-Monsun verschärft die Lage; Mehrkosten ca. 50'000 PHP pro Container gemeldet. (Stand 2026-07-28)
As of: 2026-07-28
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
As of: Jul 28, 2026
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | |||
| Feb 17, 2026 | Chinese New Year (special non-working day) | National | |||
| Apr 2, 2026 | Maundy Thursday | National | Holy Week: government offices, port back offices and many businesses close from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday - sharply reduced logistics operations nationwide. | ||
| Apr 3, 2026 | Good Friday | National | |||
| Apr 4, 2026 | Black Saturday (special non-working day) | National | |||
| Apr 9, 2026 | Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) | National | |||
| May 1, 2026 | Labor Day | National | |||
| Jun 12, 2026 | Independence Day | National | |||
| Aug 21, 2026 | Ninoy Aquino Day (special non-working day) | National | |||
| Aug 31, 2026 | National Heroes Day | National | |||
| Nov 1, 2026 | All Saints' Day (special non-working day) | National | Undas (1-2 November): heavy travel wave to cemeteries, congested roads, ferries and bus terminals nationwide. | ||
| Nov 2, 2026 | All Souls' Day (special non-working day) | National | |||
| Nov 30, 2026 | Bonifacio Day | National | |||
| Dec 8, 2026 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception (special non-working day) | National | |||
| Dec 24, 2026 | Christmas Eve (special non-working day) | National | |||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National | Christmas block 24-31 December (incl. special non-working days): sharply reduced operations nationwide, plan cargo peaks in advance. | ||
| Dec 30, 2026 | Rizal Day | National | |||
| Dec 31, 2026 | Last Day of the Year (special non-working day) | National |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Customs closed
Chinese New Year (special non-working day)
Feb 17, 2026
Customs closed
Maundy Thursday
Apr 2, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Holy Week: government offices, port back offices and many businesses close from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday - sharply reduced logistics operations nationwide.
Good Friday
Apr 3, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Black Saturday (special non-working day)
Apr 4, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)
Apr 9, 2026
Customs closed
Labor Day
May 1, 2026
Customs closed
Independence Day
Jun 12, 2026
Customs closed
Ninoy Aquino Day (special non-working day)
Aug 21, 2026
Customs closed
National Heroes Day
Aug 31, 2026
Customs closed
All Saints' Day (special non-working day)
Nov 1, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Undas (1-2 November): heavy travel wave to cemeteries, congested roads, ferries and bus terminals nationwide.
All Souls' Day (special non-working day)
Nov 2, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Bonifacio Day
Nov 30, 2026
Customs closed
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (special non-working day)
Dec 8, 2026
Customs closed
Christmas Eve (special non-working day)
Dec 24, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Christmas block 24-31 December (incl. special non-working days): sharply reduced operations nationwide, plan cargo peaks in advance.
Rizal Day
Dec 30, 2026
Customs closed
Last Day of the Year (special non-working day)
Dec 31, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Sources: Proclamation 1006 (via PNA)
Airports in this country
Francisco Bangoy International Airport
DVO · Davao
Mactan Cebu International Airport
CEB · Lapu-Lapu City
Ninoy Aquino International Airport
MNL · Manila (Pasay)
Allah Valley Airport
AAV · Surallah
Bacolod-Silay Airport
BCD · Bacolod City
Bancasi Airport
BXU · Butuan
Basco Airport
BSO · Basco
Bicol International Airport
DRP · Legazpi
Bislig Airport
BPH · Bislig
Bohol-Panglao International Airport
TAG · Panglao
Cagayan North International Airport
LLC · Lal-lo
Calbayog Airport
CYP · Calbayog City
Seaports in this country
Popular Transit Time Routes
Latest News
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Sources & Data Confidence
hochVerified: 2026-07-28
Official sources
- customs.gov.ph
- dti.gov.ph
- psa.gov.ph
- efta.int
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Wie hoch ist die Einfuhrumsatzsteuer (VAT) auf den Philippinen?
Die Einfuhr-VAT beträgt 12 Prozent und wird auf die Summe aus Zollwert, Zoll und allfälliger Verbrauchsteuer erhoben. Sendungen bis 10'000 PHP FOB sind seit CAO 02-2025 von Zoll und VAT befreit.
Welche Zollbehörde und welches System gelten für die Einfuhr?
Zuständig ist das Bureau of Customs (BOC). Die Abfertigung erfolgt elektronisch über das e2m Customs System und das Philippine National Single Window/TradeNet auf Basis des Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA, RA 10863).
Profitieren Schweizer Exporteure von einem Freihandelsabkommen?
Ja. Das Freihandelsabkommen zwischen der EFTA und den Philippinen ist für die Schweiz seit dem 1. Juni 2018 in Kraft. Mit einer Ursprungserklärung oder einer EUR.1 können präferenzielle Zollsätze genutzt werden.
Welche Häfen sind für die Containerfracht am wichtigsten?
Manila (South Harbor und MICT) wickelt rund 70 Prozent des internationalen Handels ab. Wichtige Ergänzungen sind Cebu, Davao, Subic Bay, Batangas und General Santos.
Welche Flughäfen eignen sich für Luftfracht?
Hauptdrehscheibe ist Manila NAIA (MNL). Mactan-Cebu (CEB), Clark (CRK), Davao (DVO) und General Santos (GES, Thunfisch) sind weitere relevante Frachtflughäfen.
Welche saisonalen Risiken bestehen?
Von Juni bis November herrscht Taifunsaison mit Starkregen und Überschwemmungen, die Häfen und Strassen zeitweise beeinträchtigen. Zusätzlich kann es in Metro Manila zu Hafenüberlastung und Staus kommen.
Gibt es Export- und Sanktionskontrollen?
Ja. Der Strategic Trade Management Act (RA 10697) verlangt für strategische Güter der NSGL eine Genehmigung der STMO unter dem DTI. Die Philippinen setzen UN-Sanktionen um, verhängen aber keine eigenständigen Embargos.
Which trade partners are important for Philippines?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Philippines?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
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