Many businesses in the Philippines import their goods to reduce cost, increase profitability, and expand their product line. If your company sells goods (or if you plan to do so), there’s a high chance you (will) deal with imports.
However, importing to the Philippines requires more than just purchasing goods abroad and having them delivered to your home or office. Importers must hold an import permit, which requires documents that will prove that your business legally exists and meets the prerequisites for importing. Other than this, there are other supplementary documents you may need depending on the type of goods you are purchasing abroad.
Find out what these requirements are in the following sections.
Import Permit Requirements for Philippine Businesses
Permit requirements will differ depending on the type of your business. The list below shows these specifics in detail.
- Printed Client Profile Registration System (CPRS) of the company and updated notification of “STORED” status
- Corporate Secretary Certificate (Corp.) / Affidavit (Sole Proprietorship) / Partnership Resolution (Partnership) / BOD Resolution (Coop) designating its authorized signatories in the import entries (with specimen signatures)
- Bureau of Customs official receipt (BCOR) evidencing payment of application fee (Php 1,000) (green copy)
- Original copy of NBI Clearance of applicant (issued within three (3) months prior to the date of application)
- Two (2) valid government-issued IDs (with picture) of applicant, president, principal and responsible officers (i.e., passport, UMID Card, SSS ID, Driver’s License, Alien Certificate of Registration and Alien Employment Permit for aliens)
- Photocopy of DTI (Sole) or SEC Registration / Articles of Partnership (Partnership) and latest General Information Sheet, if available, or Cooperative Development Authority Registration and latest Cooperative Annual Progress Report (Coop), whichever is applicable
- Personal profile of applicant, president and responsible officers (w/ 2×2 pictures)
- Company profile with pictures of office premises with proper and permanent signage and pictures of warehouse/storage area
- Proof of lawful occupancy of office address and warehouse (i.e., updated lease contract under the name of the corporation or proprietor, affidavit of consent from the owner and the title of the property under his/her name in case the property is used for free, certification from the lessor or owner allowing the sharing of office in case of sublease)
- BIR Registration (2303)
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) for the past three (3) years duly received by the BIR, if applicable
- Valid Mayor’s Permit as certified by the Bureau of Permits and Licensing Office
- Proof of financial capacity to import goods (Bank Certificate or other form of financial certification) (Top 1000 Taxpayers and under SGL Companies are exempted)
- Geotagged photos of office and warehouse address
- Indorsement from the collector, if applicable
Not sure how to prepare and process these documents? Talk with us for a free consultation.
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Supplementary Requirements
Besides an import permit, you may also need the documents listed below per shipment. Again, this will depend on the commodity you are importing. If you are unsure, get in touch with an experienced customs broker to get assistance.
- Authority to Release Imported Goods (ATRIG)
- Proof of Origin for shipments coming from countries with whom the Philippines has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
- Copy of an Advance Ruling for goods with a HS code change request
- Load Port Survey Reports or Discharge Port Survey Reports for bulk or breakbulk importations
- Evidence of exemption from duties and taxes
- Tax Credit Certificate (TCC) or Tax Debit Memo (TDM)
Regulated goods also have their own requirements. This is ordered by the relevant government agencies who, together with the Bureau of Customs, monitor their entry to the Philippines. Some goods that need agency-issued permits are the following:
- Food and beverages
- Electronics
- Chemicals
- Drugs and other pharmaceutical products
- Telecommunication equipment
- Tobacco products
- Dangerous goods
- Live plants and animals
- Mineral products
- Automotives and other motor vehicles
Your preferred customs broker will know exactly what permits are needed to import the above-mentioned goods. Note that acquiring some of these permits can take months. Be sure to communicate your importation plans to your customs broker in advance.
Choosing the Right Logistics Partner for Importing
The bulk of the heavy work in importation is in making sure that the requirements for your shipment are complete. Once you have these, it’s rather easy to start importing – if you have the right logistics partner.
A good logistics solutions provider will provide all the services you need, whether it be air freight, sea freight, customs brokerage, or road transport. Once your goods are ready for importing, your logistics partner must be ready to arrange the shipment from pickup abroad to local delivery.
Finding the perfect logistics partner for your business can be tricky. Logistics services are usually high-value, and you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth. Invest in a logistics service provider with proven expertise in the solutions you need. Importing won’t have to be a hassle, and the world will be yours for the taking!
