Are you an expat planning on moving to the Philippines for work? Manila is fast becoming a destination of choice for expats of all nations due to the weather, lifestyle, work opportunities and low cost of living.
However, relocating to another country is a big step whether it is temporary or permanent. One of the most common questions expats ask when relocating is what items they can and can’t bring with them.
When planning to import personal effects or belongings to the Philippines, our first recommendations is to contact a trusted and reputable mover in the Philippines who specialises in relocation and international moving. It is their job to understand customs rules and regulations, so that you don’t have to do the research yourself.
However, it is still a good idea to equip yourself with some basic essential guidelines around customs regulations in the Philippines. Here we present you with some of the most important ones.
The Philippines has strict rules on applying taxes to items especially if it is done through a courier or through international posts. Taxes are imposed on couriered items amounting to more than USD$500 (PhP26,160).
If you are bringing in personal effects which are non-commercial in quantity, you are not subject to duties or taxes. Alcoholic beverages not over two bottles, tobacco products (no more than 200 cigarettes or cigars), cosmetics and perfume not exceeding one bottle, are all duty-free. You can also bring in electronic devices as long as it is only one of each kind. You will be charged 3 to 50 percent of Value Added Tax (VAT), which will be applied if you are exceeding the allowable limit.
Taking your vehicle
Foreigners holding a 13G (returning former natural-born Filipino citizen) or 13A (permanent resident) visas are allowed to import their vehicles, which should be strictly left-hand drive and not exceeding 3000kg. Your car should have a Certificate of Emission Compliance from its country of origin that has been authenticated by the Philippine Embassy abroad. 
Your vehicle must not be more than five years old and only one car is allowed per family. If your vehicle is brand new, it should have been registered under your name for at least six months before submitting your application to the Bureau of Import Services. If it’s over three years old, ownership should be minimum of one year. Again, seeking the services of a reputable moving company with experience in vehicle relocation will save you a lot of time and stress.
Bringing your pets
Importing domesticated animals requires an import permit, which should be done two weeks before arriving in the Philippines. Secure your pet’s health certificate, rabies certificate and microchip.
What not to bring
Foreigners (and returning citizens) are prohibited to bring in narcotics and synthetic drugs, explosives, firearms, obscene items, counterfeits, used clothing for sale or rags, transceivers, controlled chemicals, pirated DVDs or CDs and the like. There are regulations surrounding the importation of personal belongings and household items, we recommend you be aware of these regulations before you arrive at customs with your airline ticket.
The Bureau of Customs facilitates the trade, import and export duties, as well as collecting taxes in the Philippines. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides a clear list of rules and regulations which you should take time to review.
 
By Allied Pickfords Philippines