Philippines Customs:
The Reseller’s Guide
Importing Thai products to the Philippines is straightforward — if you know the rules. Here’s everything you need about BOC thresholds, entry types, required documents, and how to keep your orders duty-free.
Start ReadingThe ₱10,000 BOC Threshold Explained
Under Section 423 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), any shipment with a declared FOB or FCA value of ₱10,000 or below is completely exempt from import duties and taxes — the de minimis threshold.
If your order from Thailand arrives with a total declared value at or below ₱10,000, you pay zero customs fees. No duties, no VAT, no processing.
Set by Section 423 of the CMTA. Applies to all imports regardless of origin — including Thailand.
International shipments from Thailand arrive via air or sea before customs clearance. Photo: Unsplash
Informal Entry vs. Formal Entry
Once your shipment’s value exceeds ₱10,000, it becomes dutiable. How it’s processed depends on a second threshold: ₱50,000.
Under ₱50,000
- Simplified documentation
- Faster processing
- Less paperwork
- Ideal for small business resellers
- Still subject to duties if over ₱10,000
₱50,000 and above
- Full documentation required
- Comprehensive inspection
- Longer clearance time
- Suitable for large commercial imports
- Requires licensed customs broker
How Customs Clearance Works
From the moment your shipment lands in the Philippines to the day it reaches your hands, here’s what happens at customs.
Goods Arrive at Philippine Port
Your shipment lands via air (NAIA, Clark) or sea cargo. The moment it enters Philippine territory, it falls under BOC jurisdiction.
File Goods Declaration — within 15 days
You (or your broker) must file a Goods Declaration within 15 days from discharge of the last package. Failure to file = implied abandonment.
Customs Examination
BOC reviews your documents and may physically inspect the shipment, verifying declared value matches the actual FOB/FCA value on your invoice.
Classification & Duty Assessment
Customs assigns a tariff classification and calculates duties. If your shipment is ₱10,000 or below, this results in zero assessment.
Pay Duties & Taxes (if applicable)
If duties apply, you pay to the Bureau of Customs. Only after full payment is a legal permit for withdrawal issued.
Goods Released
Importation is legally terminated when all duties are paid and the permit is granted. Your products are free to move to your warehouse or store.
Required Documents for Thai Imports
Having the right documents ready before your shipment arrives prevents delays.
Proper documentation is the fastest path through customs. Photo: Unsplash
Goods Declaration
Required for all imports. Must be filed within 15 days of arrival or risk forfeiture.
Commercial Invoice
Shows the FOB/FCA value, product details, and quantity. This determines duty assessment.
Bill of Lading
Proof of origin and shipment contract from the carrier. Required for customs to verify the shipment.
Packing List
Itemizes every product in the shipment — quantity, weight, and description.
Certificate of Origin
Needed if claiming preferential ASEAN rates. Thailand qualifies under ATIGA.
FDA-DOH Permit
Required for cosmetics, skincare, and health products. Thai beauty products typically need this.
Restricted & Prohibited Goods
Most Thai skincare, fragrance, and lifestyle products are allowed — but some categories require permits or are outright prohibited.
Requires Clearance
- Cosmetics & skincare → FDA-DOH
- Food products → FDA clearance
- Agricultural products → Bureau of Plant Industry
- Herbal/medicinal products → FDA registration
- Wildlife / CITES items → DENR permit
Absolutely Not Allowed
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Counterfeit or pirated goods
- Firearms and explosives
- Adulterated or misbranded drugs
- Obscene materials
Thai skincare, fragrance, and lifestyle products — like what Sabai After Hours carries — fall under restricted (regulated). They’re allowed with proper FDA permits.
We Handle the Hard Parts for You
As your Thailand-based supplier, Sabai After Hours ships with full commercial documentation. Our cart is built around the ₱10,000 BOC threshold — so you always know where you stand.