In international trade, sea transportation has become the first choice of many enterprises because of its low cost and large capacity. But for the first time to try to sea freight from Hangzhou to the Philippines friends, the customs clearance process is complex, strict documentation requirements, a little carelessness may be delayed delivery or even be fined.
Today, we will analyze in detail the customs clearance process of Hangzhou-Philippines ocean freight, and attach a practical guide to avoid pitfalls, to help you pass customs smoothly!
First, Hangzhou sea transportation to the Philippines customs clearance process
1. Preparation of customs clearance documents (key!)
Customs clearance documents are the core basis for customs audit, one is indispensable, mainly including:
Commercial invoice (Commercial Invoice): set out the name of the goods, quantity, unit price, total price.
Packing list (Packing List): detailed records of each box of goods specifications, weight, volume.
Bill of Lading (B/L): The bill of lading is the only proof of cargo delivery, which is divided into two kinds of bills of lading: electric discharge and original bill of lading.
Certificate of Origin (COO): Some commodities can enjoy tariff preference and need to provide certificate of origin (e.g. Form E ASEAN certificate).
Other special documents: such as health license for food and medicine, and BPS certification for electronic products.
⚠️ Note: Documents must be in English and Chinese with the same information, otherwise it may lead to delay in customs clearance!
2. Choose a reliable freight forwarder
Freight forwarder is responsible for booking, customs clearance, transportation and other full services, it is recommended to choose:
✅ Freight forwarder with experience in Philippine special line.
✅ Door-to-door (DDP) service companies
✅ Good reputation, can provide past customer cases.
3. Cargo packing and transportation
Packaging requirements: fragile goods need to be reinforced, liquids need to be leak-proof, wooden crates need to be fumigated (provide fumigation certificate).
Transportation mode:
FCL (Full Container Load): suitable for large volume of goods, such as 20GP/40HQ container.
LCL (Less than Container Load): suitable for small quantity goods, billing by volume/weight.
4. China Export Customs Declaration
Freight forwarder to declare to China Customs, need to provide:
Customs declaration
Contract, invoice, packing list
Export license (if involving controlled goods)
⏳ Time: usually 1-2 working days to complete.
5. Sea transportation
Hangzhou goods are usually shipped by sea from Ningbo Port or Shanghai Port to major ports in the Philippines:
Manila Port (Manila): the largest port in the Philippines, suitable for most cargoes.
Cebu Port (Cebu): suitable for sending to the central region of the Philippines.
Port of Davao: suitable for shipment to Southern Mindanao.
⏳ Sea transportation time:
Ningbo/Shanghai→Manila: about 5-7 days
To other ports: 7-10 days
6. Customs clearance for Philippines import
It needs to be completed after the goods arrive at the port:
Submit customs clearance documents (import declaration, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, etc.).
Payment of customs duty: Philippine customs duty rate 0%-30%, depending on the type of goods (HS code can be checked in advance).
Customs inspection: If there is no problem, release in 1-3 days; if inspected, may be delayed and incur extra charges.
7. Pick-up and Delivery
Can be arranged after customs clearance is completed:
Self-pickup: pick up the goods at the port with the bill of lading.
Home delivery: entrust local logistics company to deliver (e.g. LBC, 2GO).
Second, the guide to avoid the pit: these minefields should not be stepped on!
❌ Error 1: Do not understand the Philippines import restrictions
The Philippines prohibits or restricts the importation of the following goods:
Prohibited imports: drugs, weapons, endangered animal and plant products, etc.
Restricted imports: food, drugs, cosmetics need FDA license; electronic products need BPS certification.
✅ Response: Check the latest policy of Philippine Customs before shipment, or consult the freight forwarder.
❌ Mistake 2: Under-declaring the value of goods (may be fined!)
Some merchants intentionally under-declare the value of goods in order to save tariffs, but Philippine Customs is strict and once found:
Payment of back taxes + fines
Goods detained, delayed delivery
✅ Correct practice: Declare according to the actual value of the goods, and reasonably utilize FTAs (e.g. China-ASEAN tariff preference).
❌ Mistake 3: Inconsistent document information
For example:
Commercial invoice is written as 100 pieces, packing list is written as 90 pieces
The name of bill of lading does not match the invoice
✅ Response: All documents must be checked for consistency and handwritten changes should be avoided!
❌ Mistake 4: Neglecting transportation insurance
Marine transportation may encounter risks such as typhoon, cargo damage, etc. Insurance can reduce losses.
✅ Suggestion: buy marine insurance (usually 0.3%-0.5% of the value of the goods).
Third, summarize: how to ensure smooth customs clearance?
Complete documents: Prepare invoice, packing list, bill of lading, etc. in advance.
Compliance declaration: avoid understatement and misstatement.
Choose the right
