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Import/Export

United Kingdom to Philippines

Country or Territory Regulations Topics:

Import Documentation

To enable clearance for CITES shipments, please ensure CITES Certificate is forwarded by Express service.
For charges made for Export Shipments from United Kingdom to the destination country or territory, please refer to Brokerage Services and Charges-Export Shipments with United Kingdom as the destination.

Driving Licenses

Valid Driving Licenses can be shipped as documents. The description must clearly state 'driving license'. Shipping driving licenses require the approval of the UK customs authorities. A delay of minimum one day has to be calculated.

Please check the import related information if driving licenses are allowed for importation.

Mobile phones to all destinations from United Kingdom can be delayed on export due to security checks from government bodies.

Goods under IATA Special Provisions A67 require a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

It is not required for all, however shipments can be held by local authority in United Arab Emirates after screening due to lack of MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) or NON DG (Dangerous Goods) declaration letter from the shipper resulting to misconnections and impacting end-to-end service.

It would be advisable for all shipments originating, transiting and terminating for UAE to have MSDS or NON DG declaration from shipper enclosed in the shipment and copies to be uploaded in IDIS.

Packing List is now mandatory if the commercial invoice doesnt have detailed Quantity, Net weight and Gross weight, No. of pieces, etc.
Export procedure ex United Kingdom

A formal electronic export declaration must be sent to customs authorities by the exporter or their representative. Customs authorities grant the release for export and issue an Export Accompanying Document (EAD) with a unique Movement Reference Number (MRN). UPS operated simplified procedures allowing export formalities to be completed upto 14 days after export.

Informal Declarations
An informal declaration is possible for shipments up to a national threshold. The informal declaration is based on the invoice value and is restricted to shipments not subject to prohibitions and restrictions (for example, embargo regulations) or special export procedures (for example, temporary export). The informal clearance will be done by UPS at the point of exit.

National Requirements
Shipments up to a value of 873.00 GBP can be declared informally on the basis of the invoice.

The EORI (European Union Registration and Identification) number needs to be included with the Invoice for any shipment with value exceeding 873.00 GBP. The EORI number can be obtained by the shipper using website link: www.gov.uk/EORI

UPS service
UPS offers the service to prepare export declarations on behalf of the exporter without additional fees.

Export Documentation

Valid passports can be shipped as documents. The description must clearly state 'passport'. Shipping passports require the approval of the UK customs authorities. A delay of minimum one day has to be calculated.

Please check the import related information if passports are allowed for importation.

Clearance Information

Talking Points for Lifting of Abandonment & Amendment Process
Brokerage Dictionary
Consignees inside export processing or free trade zones (EPZ) may be exempt from paying Customs duties and taxes on imported materials for production. To be exempt from duty and tax payment, consignees should have the shipper notify them immediately by faxing the commercial invoice and prepare an import permit prior to the shipments arrival. If the import permit is not done prior to the shipment's arrival, Customs clearance delays will occur. This type of Customs entry is called Trans-Shipment Entry and is a non-routine or complex Customs clearance. This requires the actual package to be transferred under guard by the Export Zone Authorities from the Customs port at Ninoy Aquino International Airport to another Customs port in the EPZ.

A Customs entry called Customs EPZA Warehousing Entry (CEWE) is prepared in the destination export processing zone. After this final Customs entry the shipments can be delivered.

Consignees operating Customs bonded warehouses may be exempt from paying Customs duties and taxes. To be exempt from these payments, the consignee must have a chargeable bond filed with the Bureau of Customs. Customs entries being prepared for this type of Customs processing are called Warehousing Entries and are non-routine or complex Customs clearances.

The shipper is required to list the postal code for the consignee's address.

If Customs has found discrepancy on the consignees name, address, weight, pieces, commodity and other details on the shipping documents, shipment will not be allowed to release until the discrepancy has been corrected and approved by Customs Legal Division.

Amount of Processing Fee will be advised by the Agent Broker. Customers can also opt to process the amendments themselves.

Credit card payments are accepted upon delivery for freight and import charges by this destination. Contact UPS or the UPS service partner in the destination country or territory to determine which credit cards are accepted.

Restrictions may apply for freight collect shipments from the origin country or territory. Contact UPS or the UPS service partner in the origin country or territory prior to shipping.

Shipments addressed to a P.O. Box are accepted as long as a consignee contact name and phone number are indicated on the waybill or address label. When a commercial invoice is required, then the consignee's contact name and phone number must be on the invoice as well. Phone contact will be attempted or an arrival notification will be mailed to the consignee to contact the UPS office and provide a physical address for delivery.

Important Note: Shipments addressed to a P.O. Box are excluded from the UPS International guarantee regardless of the payer. A delay in delivery may occur due to the need for the consignee's physical address in order to complete delivery.

PH NTC & OMB Application
Misrouted shipments cannot be rerouted immediately to the correct destination country or territory. Foreign Trans-Shipment Customs procedures apply and are different from normal Customs clearance procedures. This process may take a week to complete due to requirements of the Customs collector and Customs legal division.

Areas Served

Service is provided to and from certain cities.

The following areas are unserviceable due to uncertain peace and order or low import/export volume: Lamitan (7302) - Palimbang (9809) - Kabuntulan (9606) - Matanog (9614) - Buldon (9615) - Sultan Kudarat (9807/9808/9809) - Lutayan (9803) - Tulunan (9403) - Columbio (9801) - Isulan (9805) - Romblom (5500-5516) - Batanes (3900-3905) - Aurora (3200-3211)- San Ricardo (6617)

Shipments addressed to a P.O. Box are accepted as long as a consignee contact name and phone number are indicated on the waybill or address label. When a commercial invoice is required, then the consignee's contact name and phone number must be on the invoice as well. Phone contact will be attempted or an arrival notification will be mailed to the consignee to contact the UPS office and provide a physical address for delivery.

Important Note: Shipments addressed to a P.O. Box are excluded from the UPS International guarantee regardless of the payer. A delay in delivery may occur due to the need for the consignee's physical address in order to complete delivery.

Sunday, and official holidays.
Spring +0800/ Fall +0800
English
Philippine Peso(PHP)

Billing Options

  • Shipping charges can be billed to the shipper, receiver or a third party.
  • When billing the receiver, either the shipper or receiver's account number is required.
  • When billing to a third party, the third party's name, country or territory and account number are required.
  • Duties and taxes can be billed to the shipper, receiver or a third party.
  • When billing a third party, the third party's name, country or territory and account number are required.
  • If the duties and taxes are billed to an account outside of the destination country or territory, a "Duty and Tax Forwarding" surcharge will be applied.
  • Please note the following third party billing exceptions:
    • Shipments to and from the same country or territory (domestic shipments) cannot be billed to third party payors in other countries or territories. For example, shipments from Mexico to Mexico or Canada to Canada cannot be billed to a third party payor in the U.S. This rule does not apply to UPS domestic services in European Union countries or territories as well as to UPS domestic services in the United Kingdom.For example, shipments from Germany to Germany can be billed to a third party payor in the U.S. (as long as the payor is a business and has a VAT or Tax/EIN ID on file with UPS).
  • When paying by credit card, check, or cash, only the shipper can be billed the shipping charges
  • The freight and duties can be billed to the shipper or a third party
  • The taxes can be billed to the receiver or a third party
  • A surcharge will be applied for the SDV billing option

Commodity Specific Stipulations

There are special stipulations on the following commodities when shipping to Philippines. If you plan to ship one of the commodities listed below, be sure to adhere to the following stipulations in order to avoid delays and holds at customs.

Permit from Department of Transportation & Communication (DOTC) is required.
Shipments require Health Certificate or Veterinary Quarantine certificate and Import permit from Bureau of Animal and Industry (BAI).
Bank Cards which are requested to be sent out of the United Kingdom should be declared for referral to HMRC and await their approval to send.
Tax Exemption Certificate from Department of Finance is needed to enjoy the duty and tax free importation.
Shipment requires permit from International Coffee Organization.

Non-roasted coffee bean will need permit from Bureau of Plant and Industry.

Shipments require permit from Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), (for example, Toluene, Acetone, methyl ketene).
Shipments of cosmetics are subject to clearance from the Bureau of Food and Drugs.
An invoice is required on all shipments containing a CD-Rom/Disk. Invoice should indicate the value of the Recording Media (eg. CDR/DVD) & the Intellectual/statistical value of the software/data separately
Shipments of dairy are subject to clearance from the Bureau of Food and Drugs.
Urgent medicine shipments must state "Immediate Customs Release" on the pre-alert and on the invoice.

Medicines of a commercial nature, used for pharmaceutical testing (non-urgent) require an Authority to Import Certificate from FDA (Food and Drug Administration) prior to the arrival of the shipment.
If it is for personal use only, to be consumed within 3 months only no need for FDA certificate.

Approval from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Shipments of films require an Import Permit from the Movie, Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB)and OMB (Optical Media Board). An extra specific tax will be assessed of .70 PHP linear meter.
Shipments of fish and fish products require an import permit, clearance from quarantine and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources or MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority).
Shipments of food are subject to clearance from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
Permit from Central Bank of the Philippines (BSP) is required.
Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD)  Certificate of Product of Registration (CPR) is required.
Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD)  Certificate of Product of Registration (CPR) is required.
Import Permit from Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) is required.
Urgent medicine shipments must state on the pre-alert and on the invoice "Immediate Customs Release".

Medicines of a commercial nature, used for pharmaceutical testing (non-urgent) requires an Authority to Import Certificate from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to the arrival of the shipment.
If it is for personal use only, to be consumed within 3 months only no need for FDA certificate.

Shipments of military equipment require an import permit from the Department of National Defense, Philippine National Police (PNP), Firearms and Explosive Division (FED).
Shipment requires import permit from Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA).
Shipments of nutritional supplements are subject to clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Passports which are requested to be sent out of the United Kingdom should be declared for referral to HMRC and await their approval to send.
Shipments of pharmaceuticals are subject to clearance from Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Shipments require Import Permit from BPI (Bureau of Plant and Industry) Plant Quarantine Service (BPI-PQS).
Shipments of radios and radio equipment require clearance from the National Telecommunication Commissions (NTC).
Shipments require approval from National Food Authority (NFA).
Shipments of satellite equipment require clearance and an import permit from the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC).
Shipments of smoked salmon require quarantine, if in commercial quantity, and clearance from the Bureau of Food and Drugs.
Shipments of sugar or any pre-mixed sugar concentrates requires a Laboratory Report or Certificate of Analysis from Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) of Philippines.
Shipments of tapes require an import permit from the Optical Media Board (OMB).
Shipments of high frequency telephone equipment requires clearance or an import permit from the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC).
Shipments of videos require an import permit from the Optical Media Board (OMB).
Shipments of vitamins are subject to clearance from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Gift Exemptions

0.00 Philippine Peso PHP
no gift exemption
no gift exemption

There are no rules regarding gift shipment exemption. It is up to the discretion of the Customs examiner, who will take into account the value and quantity per shipment. Items addressed to individuals are given more leniency.

Invoice Requirements

Non-document shipments to Philippines must include 1 original and 2 copies of an invoice.
The consignee's telephone number must appear on the invoice for all non-document shipments.

1. Blank invoice number are not acceptable by Customs.
2. Under Customs Administration Order CAO 1-2020, Fines and Surcharges for clerical error: Failure to comply on this will be penalized amounting to Php 5000 for errors discovered in goods declaration of shipment.

*As of now, PEZA/Customs is matching invoice details in the HAWB vs shipping INVOICE*

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
- has recently issued a memorandum regarding the PEZA electronic Import Permit System (eIPS) Integration with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) E2M System. The tentative timeline for said integration will be on 01 April 2022.
- In this relation, please be informed that an additional data on net weight in kilograms, shall be required by BOC in the Transshipment Single Administrative Document (TSAD). Hence, an additional column in the existing PEZA eIP is "required" to reflect said net weight in kg per item on all goods to be covered by the PEZA eIP.

All PEZA enterprises are advised to coordinate with their suppliers/sources of goods to indicate in thier Invoice the NET WEIGHT (in kgs) of each items to be imported.

As of June 16, 2022 Customs Commissioner has allowed the use total gross weight to get the net weight and furthermore deferred penalty on net weight per item until such time that Customs system are updated according to E2M-PEZA Integration Project.

All PEZA enterprise are encouraged to coordinate with their suppliers/sources of goods to indicate the NET WEIGHT (in kgs) of each items to be imported in case Customs will start the implementation.

In addition, Proforma/Commercial Invoice and Packing List (2 copies each) are the mandatory requirements together with the Automated Export Documentation System (AEDS) for all PEZA customers, without these, Customs Acceptance Team will not accept the shipments.

UPS Paperless Invoice is available for small package exports from this country or territory.
UPS Paperless Invoice is accepted by Customs for small package imports into this country or territory.

Items Classified as Documents

The destination country or territory considers the following items document shipments. If criteria are listed, the shipment must meet the criteria to be considered a document shipment.

Shipments are considered documents if items do not exceed ten (10) pieces; otherwise, they must be manifested as "NON-DOCS" and accompanied with a commercial invoice.

No document weight limit.
No document weight limit.
No document weight limit.
No document weight limit.
No document weight limit.

UPS can recommend which forms you need based on a few simple criteria. Forms can be completed online or printed. See which forms you need.

Prohibited or Restricted Commodities

In addition to the prohibited commodities listed here, it is prohibited to ship the following commodities to Philippines.

Import of Alcoholic beverages into Philippines is permitted via ISC contract service.

Personal purchase - reasonable quantity guideline is eight (8) 750 ml bottles and only one bottle for each kind of alcoholic beverage.

However, person coming in the Philippines may brought two bottles in order for it to be duty free.

Antique shipments are restricted from Europe, the Middle East and Africa and can only be shipped with an International Special Commodities (ISC) contract. Antiques are defined as a work of art, piece of furniture, decorative object, or silverware that is 100 years old or older.
Artwork shipments are restricted from Europe, the Middle East and Africa and can only be shipped with an International Special Commodities (ISC) contract.

Paintings or other works of art can be accepted if the artist is still alive, the artwork is replaceable and an art dealer or gallery has appraised the artwork within the last year. If the declared value of the artwork is greater than $100.00 and there is a claim, the shipper must provide a copy of the original invoice, a bill of sale, or other proof certifying in writing the actual cost or replacement cost of the item.

Artwork includes the following: Original engravings, prints, lithographs, original sculptures, statuary.

The term "Artwork" does not apply to: architectural, engineering, industrial, topographical, commercial drawings, hand-painted or hand-decorated manufactured articles.

Electronic Cigarettes can only be shipped with an International Special Commodities (ISC) contract.

A FDA [Food and Drug Administration Permit,CPR (Certificate of product Registration) and DOH (Department of Health authorisation from the importer] are required to import.

For personal use, maximum of 1 to 3 items (No permit needed).

An Adult Signature-over 18-is Required for delivery.

Gambling devices are prohibited.
Any form of toy gun or gun replica is prohibited.
Mobile phones to all destination countries from United Kingdom can be delayed on export due to security checks from government bodies.
Personal Effects cannot be shipped between these countries or territories

Restricted Imports/Exports are goods which may be imported or exported ONLY when authorized by law or regulation. As provided under the CMTA, the following are restricted imports/exports:

    1. Dynamite, gunpowder, ammunitions and other explosives, firearms and weapons of war, or parts thereof;

    2. Roulette wheels, gambling outfits, loaded dice, marked cards, machines, apparatus or mechanical devices used in gambling or the distribution of money, cigars, cigarettes or other goods when such distribution is dependent on chance, including jackpot and pinball machines or similar contrivances, or parts thereof;

    3. Lottery and sweepstakes tickets, except advertisements thereof and lists of drawings therein;

    4. Marijuana, opium, poppies, coca leaves, heroin or other narcotics or synthetic drugs which are or may hereafter be declared habit forming by the President of the Philippines, or any compound, manufactured salt, derivative, or preparation thereof, except when imported by the government of the Philippines or any person duly authorized by the Dangerous Drugs Board, for medicinal purposes;

    5. Opium pipes or parts thereof, of whatever material; and

    6. Weapons of Mass Destruction and goods included in the National Strategic Goods List (NSGL) as provided under Republic Act No. 10697 or the Strategic Trade Management Act (STMA)

    7. Toxic and hazardous goods under Republic Act No. 6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990

    8. Any other goods whose importation and exportation are restricted. The restriction to import or export the above states goods shall include the restriction on their transit.

    The restriction to import or export the above states goods shall include the restriction on their transit.

    Regulated and Restricted Goods under CMO (Customs Memorandum Order) 9-2021 Clearance Procedure on Express shipment Document

Saturday Delivery

Saturday Delivery Available: Yes

Not available in all areas. Always check the international time in transit system for details of service availability within a country or territory.

Service Options

Always check Calculate Time and Cost for details of service availability and guarantee information within a country or territory. All Service Levels may not be available to or from every address within a country or territory.

  • UPS Worldwide Expedited
  • UPS Worldwide Express
  • UPS Worldwide Express Plus
  • UPS Worldwide Express Saver
  • UPS WorldWide Express Freight
  • WorldWide Economy DDU

Special Clearance Requirements

Donations
Donated shipments require the shipper to include a Deed of Donation (in the form of a certification). The recipient must be a non-profit organization. The consignee must submit a Deed of Acceptance (in the form of a certification). The Customs process will begin after the shipment has been referred to the Department of Finance. The shipper must notify the consignee prior to shipping so that the consignee can apply for exemption from payment of duty and tax in advance and expedite the clearance process.

Outward Processing Relief (goods exported from the UK for the purpose of repair)

The outward processing relief starts with the export from the UK and will be discharged with the re-importation of the repaired goods. Both steps need to be identified by UPS export or import operation. Repair Goods: Goods requiring Export from the UK for repair Invoice requirements:

  • Statement stating "Goods being sent for repair under Outward Processing Relief" should be clearly marked on the commercial invoice
  • Provide serial number of goods being sent for repair. If the goods are not serialized a statement to this effect must be made on the commercial invoice
  • Exporters authorized to export under OPR must include their authority number on all paperwork
  • Provide correct commercial value of goods as originally paid for not a nominal value for the goods.

Failure to provide any of the above information will result in shipments being delayed.

Repaired goods: Goods being re-exported returned after repair in the UK Invoice requirements:

  • Invoice should clearly state "Goods have been repaired under IPR"
  • Provide either IP authorization number or Import entry details
  • Provide full commercial value of goods plus cost of repair

Failure to provide any of the above information will result in shipments being delayed.

New requirements have been implemented for both small package and WWEF shipments and are based on the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15, which is entitled "Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade". ISPM 15 was adopted internationally in 2002, and is gradually being introduced by countries or territories worldwide. Wood or wood products covered by ISPM 15 include items such as packing cases, boxes, crates, drums or similar packing, pallets, box pallets and other load boards, pallet collars and skids, but exclude such processed woods as orientated strand board, particle board, plywood or veneer, created using glue, heat and pressure or a combinations thereof, and, raw wood which is 6mm or less thick. It is recommended that if a question arises on this issue, please check with the authority that issues the Phytosanitary certificates in your country or territory.
Temporary importation must be reflected in the shipper's commercial invoice and the reason for exporting the shipment must be stated. The invoice must indicate that the shipment will need to be returned after the presentation, demonstration, or repair of the shipment.

Value Limits


Private Shipments

  • 10000.00 Philippine Peso (PHP)
    In most cases, when the value of the shipment is equal to or less than the Deminimis Value, the shipment may enter the country or territory duty and tax free.
Commercial Shipments

  • 10000.00 Philippine Peso (PHP)
    In most cases, when the value of the shipment is equal to or less than the Deminimis Value, the shipment may enter the country or territory duty and tax free.

Weight and Size Limits

70 kg (150 lbs.) per package
274.00 cm (107.9 in.)  per package
419.10 cm (165.0 in.)  per package
Length and girth combined


Convert metric quantity for weight, length, and area.

NOTE: Information provided by UPS is provided AS IS, may not be current, and does not constitute legal advice. In no event shall UPS be liable for any errors in the information, forms or features made available by UPS, or by any third party site linked to from UPS. Selection and completion of proper forms for any given shipment is the sole responsibility of the shipper. All shipments are subject to the UPS Terms and Conditions of Service in effect at the time of shipping for the country or territory of origin.
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