Shipping from China to Philippines

The most cost - effective option is sea freight, which is ideal for large or non - urgent items. Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) costs vary according to the volume of goods and the port of destination. For instance, a 20 - foot container from Shenzhen to Manila starts at approximately $105, and the shipping time ranges from 3 to 6 days. If speed is a priority, air freight takes about 3 - 5 days but is more expensive. For example, the cost to ship to Manila is around $2.28 per kilogram.

Sea freight to major ports such as Manila and Cebu typically takes 10 - 15 days. The exact time depends on the shipping company and whether transshipment is involved. For example, a direct shipment from Shanghai to Manila takes 6 days, while a transshipped one may take up to 15 days. Air freight offers a consistent delivery time of 3 - 5 days, making it suitable for high - value or urgent goods.

You need a commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading (B/L), and a Certificate of Origin (like Form E). Special items such as electronics and machinery may need additional certifications, including FDA and CE. To avoid delays, it's advisable to have a freight forwarder assist with the documentation process.

Duties are levied based on the Harmonized System (HS) code of the goods and their value, ranging from 0% to 30%. In addition, a 12% Value - Added Tax (VAT) is applied. The total taxes are calculated on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of the goods. For example, the duty on electronics usually ranges from 0% to 15%, and on textiles from 5% to 20%.

Make sure to declare your goods truthfully and use the correct HS codes. Partner with an experienced freight forwarder who can handle pre - customs clearance and prepare all the necessary compliance documents. Since the Philippines customs conducts strict inspections, especially during peak seasons like November and December, it's a good idea to allow extra time for your shipments.

Door - to - door shipping covers picking up the goods from the supplier in China, international transportation, customs clearance in the Philippines, and local delivery to homes or offices in Metro Manila and other provinces. Some freight forwarders also offer double - clearance and tax - inclusive services, which are great for individuals or small and medium - sized enterprises.

Yes, you can. Freight forwarders provide LCL or consolidation services. By combining multiple batches of goods, you can reduce costs. For example, the cost of LCL sea freight can start as low as $890 per cubic meter.

It's recommended to purchase cargo insurance, which usually costs 0.3% - 1% of the goods' value. Freight forwarders can help you arrange this. Choosing a logistics company that has insurance partnerships will ensure that you get compensation in case of any damage to your goods.

The major ports in the Philippines are Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Among them, Manila North Port and South Port have the highest throughput and are suitable for transshipment to other islands.

Look for a freight forwarder that offers 24/7 customer service, provides transparent quotes, and has extensive experience in customs clearance. Check customer reviews and compare the shipping times and costs of different companies. Make sure the freight forwarder can support the specific transportation methods you need, such as cold chain or dangerous goods transportation.