Country profile
Philippines
PH · PHLAs of: 7/28/2026Archipelago market with a focus on sea freight; electronics export hub and ASEAN gateway
The Philippines is an archipelago market of over 7,600 islands where sea freight dominates. The Port of Manila (South Harbor and MICT) handles about 70 percent of international trade, complemented by Cebu, Davao, Subic and Batangas. Manila NAIA is the main air cargo hub, followed by Mactan-Cebu and Clark. Customs clearance is electronic via e2m and the National Single Window/TradeNet under the CMTA; import VAT is 12 percent. For Switzerland the EFTA-Philippines free trade agreement (in force since 1 June 2018) is relevant. Key risks are typhoons (June to November) and port congestion in Manila.
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.
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Bureau of Customs (BOC)Import system
Electronic clearance via the e2m Customs System (Electronic-to-Mobile) and the Philippine National Single Window/TradeNet. The legal basis is the CMTA (Republic Act 10863).
Export system
Electronic export declaration via e2m and the National Single Window/TradeNet; accredited exporters and customs brokers lodge the Export Declaration before shipment.
Import VAT
- 12 percent VAT on the sum of customs value, duty and any excise tax. De minimis threshold 10'000 PHP FOB exempt from duty and VAT (CAO 02-2025, valid from 7.5.2025).
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Import Declaration (e2m/TradeNet)
- Proof of origin for FTA
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Export Declaration (e2m/TradeNet)
- Certificate of Origin
Origin proofs / FTA
PH-EFTA FTA (in force for Switzerland since 1.6.2018): certificate of origin or EUR.1. For trade within ASEAN, Form D (ATIGA); other proofs depending on the agreement.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Goods subject to import restrictions or prohibitions include weapons and explosives, drugs and precursors, certain chemicals, used vehicles, and certain agricultural and health products (licence required).
Export controls & sanctions
Strategic Trade Management Act (RA 10697): authorisation by the STMO (under the DTI) for strategic goods of the NSGL. Implementation of UN sanctions; no independent embargoes.
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)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on goods: certificates/compliance documents
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
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
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
Cargo airports
- Manila NAIA (MNL)
- Mactan-Cebu (CEB)
- Clark (CRK)
- Davao (DVO)
- General Santos (GES)
Seaports / access ports
Road corridors & border crossings
- Pan-Philippine Highway (Maharlika)
- Strong Republic Nautical Highway (RoRo)
- NLEX/SLEX corridor, Metro Manila
Top trade lanes
- Philippines-China
- Philippines-USA
- Philippines-Japan
- Philippines-ASEAN (Singapore)
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Insular geography requires sea and air transport; Manila handles about 70 percent of foreign trade and tends to be overloaded. Typhoons, customs formalities and road congestion in Metro Manila lengthen transit times.
Seasonal & weather risks
Typhoon season from June to November with heavy rain, storm surges and flooding; ports and roads may be temporarily closed or slowed.
Current logistics notes
Manila with severe port congestion: vessel waiting times average about 4,5 days, off-window over 5 days, total delays 10-12 days after Typhoon Bavi; MICT yard utilisation 85-90 percent. Southwest monsoon worsens the situation; additional costs of about 50'000 PHP per container reported. (As of 2026-07-28)
As of: 2026-07-28
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| 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
Chinese New Year (special non-working day)
Feb 17, 2026
Maundy Thursday
Apr 2, 2026
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
Black Saturday (special non-working day)
Apr 4, 2026
Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)
Apr 9, 2026
Labor Day
May 1, 2026
Independence Day
Jun 12, 2026
Ninoy Aquino Day (special non-working day)
Aug 21, 2026
National Heroes Day
Aug 31, 2026
All Saints' Day (special non-working day)
Nov 1, 2026
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
Bonifacio Day
Nov 30, 2026
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (special non-working day)
Dec 8, 2026
Christmas Eve (special non-working day)
Dec 24, 2026
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Christmas block 24-31 December (incl. special non-working days): sharply reduced operations nationwide, plan cargo peaks in advance.
Rizal Day
Dec 30, 2026
Last Day of the Year (special non-working day)
Dec 31, 2026
Sources: Proclamation 1006 (via PNA)
Airports in this country
Seaports in this country
Popular Transit Time Routes
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
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
What is the import value-added tax (VAT) in the Philippines?
Import VAT is 12 percent and is levied on the sum of customs value, duty and any excise tax. Shipments up to 10'000 PHP FOB have been exempt from duty and VAT since CAO 02-2025.
Which customs authority and system apply to imports?
The competent authority is the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Clearance is carried out electronically via the e2m Customs System and the Philippine National Single Window/TradeNet, based on the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA, RA 10863).
Do Swiss exporters benefit from a free trade agreement?
Yes. The free trade agreement between EFTA and the Philippines has been in force for Switzerland since 1. June 2018. A certificate of origin or an EUR.1 allows preferential duty rates to be used.
Which ports are most important for container cargo?
Manila (South Harbor and MICT) handles about 70 percent of international trade. Important complements are Cebu, Davao, Subic Bay, Batangas and General Santos.
Which airports are suitable for air freight?
The main hub is Manila NAIA (MNL). Mactan-Cebu (CEB), Clark (CRK), Davao (DVO) and General Santos (GES, tuna) are further relevant cargo airports.
What seasonal risks exist?
From June to November, typhoon season brings heavy rain and flooding, which temporarily affect ports and roads. In addition, Metro Manila may experience port congestion and traffic jams.
Are there export and sanctions controls?
Yes. The Strategic Trade Management Act (RA 10697) requires authorization from the STMO under the DTI for strategic goods on the NSGL. The Philippines implements UN sanctions but does not impose any independent embargoes.
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:
Next steps
Matching tools and partners