DIPLOMATIC SHIPMENTS
USED HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS
Documents Required
- Passport
- Diplomatic ID
- signed seaway bill copy (FCL/LCL)
- Air Waybill (AWB) – air
- Detailed Inventory list in English “clear copy”
- Authorization letter (AR to provide)
- Affidavit of shipment’s ownership
- Endorsement letter from DFA (Client to handle) (AR will only follow up with DOF)
- Copy of approved exemption documents (Client to handle)
Specific Information
- Embassies and diplomatic organizations must apply for any tax exemption from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for the endorsement and then forward to the Department of Finance for filling of duty and tax exemption request.
- Approved exemption must be available prior to the shipment arrival at the port
- Once we have the exemption we can start the processing. ALL household goods incoming shipments are subject to customs x-ray / scanning (on a case to case basis). Once they detect prohibited items shipment will be subject for 100% customs examination
- Customs only allow 15 calendar days for releasing. After 15 calendar days the shipment will automatically be tagged as abandoned. AR will then need to process lifting of abandonment which will be an additional cost of 20 000php at cost. (note that this is an unreceipted charge) cost will be charged to the client. (a request can be made for extension however this will be subject to customs approval)
- Prepay THC to avoid delays (in order to receive the delivery order from the shipping line)
For air shipments
- For shipments with tax exemption application, Customs clearance takes approximately 5-6 working days from the receipt of the complete documents including the duly approved exemption documents.
- All air shipments are subject to airport storage starting from the arrival date of the cargo.
For less than container load (LCL) shipments
- For shipments with a tax exemption application, Customs clearance takes approximately 5 to 7 working days from the receipt of the complete documents/approved exemption documents and/or transfer of shipments to Customs bonded warehouse.
For full container load (FCL) shipments
- For shipments with a tax exemption application, Customs clearance takes approximately 6 to 8 working days from the receipt of the complete documents/approved exemption documents.
USED MOTOR VEHICLES
Documents Required
- Duly approved BIS / DTI import permit
- Original or Authenticated copy of Car Title or Car Registration
- Copy of Car Invoice
- Original or Authenticated passport
- Copy Ocean Bill of Lading
- CID certification of arrival
Specific Information
- Only diplomats are allowed duty-free important.
- Clearing time approximate 30 days, provided all the required documents are in place prior to the car’s arrival in Manila.
- Once the vehicle is released from customs, the diplomat needs to go to LTO(Land transportation office) headquarters in Quezon city to get the stencil (Car engine stencil done at LTO). Once received, this needs to be sent to AR so that we can send it to customs for processing of certificate of payment(CP).
Note: The Philippines have very specific import procedures on importing motor vehicles and the owner should contact, in advance of loading or exportation, the nearest Philippine Embassy, Consulate, or agent to obtain the most recent information as these rules and procedures change frequently.
To avoid delays
- SEND ALL DOCUMENTS IN ADVANCE
- packing list, passport copy, and bill of lading if the client will just pay duty/tax.
- CEBU CUSTOMS
- same as with MANILA CUSTOMS it’s just that duty and tax in CEBU is much cheaper compared to Manila so instead of filling for an exemption we advise the client to pay duty and tax.
- SPECIFIC PROBLEMS WITH CUSTOMS IN PH
- Avoid incorrect BL, consignee name needs to be correct.
- Number of packages are different to packing list. Make sure this doesn’t happen.
- Customs see prohibited items during xray, so make sure there isn’t any. Refer to prohibited items list further below.
- No seal on the container could cause problems.
Prepaid DTHC/DESTINATION SHIPPING LINE LOCAL CHARGES
- Booking agent can ask the carrier – shipping line will only send invoice once it arrives at port.
- we do not know the actual charges.
Note:
Estimated additional charges (which will be billed to the client )
Port storage – 1200php per day
Container demurrage – 2500php per day (depending on the carrier)
Container detention – 2500php per day
Village fees – price depends on village administration (client will need to check this before the shipment can be delivered)
Shuttle fee for difficult access – 5000php
(Note that some villages do not allow trucks / containers, therefore the items will need to be transferred into smaller trucks or L300 for shuttling back and forth)
Overtime – for work done after 4pm
Crew – 132php (2.5USD) per hour
Crew leader – 193php (3.5 usd) per hour
Handyman services – 1000php per hour (min. 4 hours)
Piano handling – 200usd
Stair carry – 500php per flight
