Shipping frozen food products and more from the Philippines

The Philippines is renowned for its alluring cuisine, and consumers around the world get to enjoy these unique flavors thanks to careful shipping and packaging processes of popular food exports by Filipino-owned businesses. To ensure freshness, shipping frozen food and other products overseas requires a multi-layered approach to handle critical temperature changes, mainly storing and transporting goods in insulated boxes that are loaded in party-sized packs of meat, fish, poultry and other edibles. These delicate packages must be monitored closely during shipment in order to uphold strict international standards. Through this method of shipping, frozen food products from the Philippines remain prominent commodities amongst customers abroad and generate crucial revenue for the country's economy.

Whether you’re a food business wondering how to ship frozen food products and other goods from the Philippines or a personal shipper based in the Philippines wishing to ship Pinoy food products your OFW relatives would miss, we’ve got you covered. Efficient shipping practices can be the key to success in today’s globalizing world, for an established enterprise or a new player just entering the market alike.

Popular food products for export from the Philippines

Food product exports are a vital source of revenue for the Philippines, generating billions of dollars annually. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country's total agricultural exports amounted to US$1.6 billion in the third quarter of 2023, accounting for 8.2% of the total exports of the country. Some of the popular food products for exports from the Philippines include mangoes, bananas, pineapple, tuna, cocoa, coconut and coconut oil.

Institutions governing food exports from the Philippines

Exporting food products out of the Philippines is a process that requires navigating through several institutional steps. Before frozen food products, such as chicken and meat, can be shipped from the Philippines, the exporter needs to take into account how these items will be packaged for export and how it needs to adhere to standards set by various food safety-related institutions. The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) are two main organizations accountable for issuing regulations concerning how to ship frozen food from the Philippines. Moreover, all processes related to these food products must follow applicable government regulations mandated by either one of these organizations in order for them to be exported effectively. With guidance and regulations from such institutions in place, processed meat manufacturers and other food businesses can rest assured that their food exports meet international standards while providing consumers with fresh and safe products.

Read on for all you need to know about shipping frozen food products and more from this tropical country.

1. Acceptable products

Exporting frozen food products, including chicken, from the Philippines allows people worldwide to enjoy the country's flavorful cuisine. However, it's crucial for consignees to obtain an import license and adhere to destination countries' government regulations. Proper packaging, including vacuum-sealed packaging, and pre-approved gel packs as coolants, are necessary to ensure product safety during transit. Additionally, correct packing procedures are paramount to prevent leakage or contamination. It's also worth mentioning that every country has specific regulatory requirements that must be followed when exporting chicken or any frozen meat product from the Philippines. Therefore, it's vital for customers to familiarize themselves with these customs before shipping their products overseas.

2. Destination requirements

Exporting frozen food and other products from the Philippines can be a complex undertaking, as different nations have their own specific requirements. For instance, the United States stipulates that meat and meat products are unacceptable for import and that a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Import Veterinary Permit is required for the shipment. Likewise, for food exports to Singapore, a consignee must obtain an import license from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) in order to facilitate commercial import into their country. As such, adequate preparation is essential when it comes to the successful export of food products from the Philippines as failure to do so can result in delays and costly losses.

3. Export requirements

Exporting chicken, meat, and other frozen food from the Philippines requires careful preparation and shipping considerations. For example, in the case of dried fish exports, some of the export requirements include a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR certificate) as well as a commercial invoice outlining the packed count and shipment details of the product being shipped. There are many steps to take in order to successfully complete the shipment process; however, it will guarantee a secure export experience for the exporting and importing country.

4. Packing tips

To ensure frozen food exports from the Philippines reach their destination in the best condition, proper wrapping and packaging with the right materials is essential. Firstly, frozen food must be vacuum sealed and wrapped securely with watertight plastic bags to prevent any leakage of liquids during transit. For particularly delicate items prone to damage, extra protection can be used by cushioning them with bubble wrap. Secondly, an appropriate packaging box must be chosen that is not too small or too large for the frozen items inside. The box should also have adequate insulation to keep the frozen items in optimal condition until arrival. Thirdly, frozen meats like chicken or seafood must be placed delicately into the shipping box. Fourthly, gel packs should be included inside the insulated box to maintain its cool temperature. Lastly, make sure you seal up the box tight and include correct labeling and classification to ensure smooth delivery of your frozen food exports from the Philippines.

Export frozen food and more from the Philippines with DHL

To facilitate the export of food products from the Philippines, companies can collaborate with a reliable logistics provider such as DHL Express. By opening a business account with us, local food exporters can receive the advantage of smooth and efficient deliveries for their non-perishable goods.

¹ Philippine Statistics Authority. 5 Dec 2023