• Accurate and complete details (description, value and currency, shipper and receiver details, weight, number of pieces).
• Details on the AWB must match the invoice or other documents.
• Specific description for each item that is easy to read for destination customs clearance. Internal company jargon or part numbers are not sufficient.
• Correct declared value with currency. This should be consistent with commercial value, otherwise it will lead to delays if customs have queries on the value.
• Freight charges (if applicable).
• Proper shipper and consignee information including full detailed address with postal code and, importantly, mobile number and email address so we have means of contact in case of additional information requirements.

Note:

Please ensure shipper checks with DHL Express staff on commodities that are not allowed in the Philippines. There are strict fines and penalties for importing prohibited items and the entire shipment will be seized by customs, even if the prohibited items form a part of the shipment.

• Include complete details on the goods including but not limited to the full description, quantity, weight, unit price, currency and country of origin (COO).
• Correct value with a breakdown per item (should match transaction or commercial value).
• Please do not put “No Commercial Value” (NCV) or “Value for customs purpose only” or an unreasonably lower value as this will result in delays when customs ask for proof of payment to ascertain whether the declared value is correct.
• Full description, including additional product details, and brochures if possible, to clarify all doubts and avoid delays.
• Details on freight and insurance (if available).
• Any changes in value post-arrival in the Philippines may result in delays as well as penalties under Customs Administrative Order, with the possibility of being denied by customs.
• Attach a packing list that clearly describes all details needed if there are multiple items.
• Note that shipments are subject to physical or x-ray examinations by customs authorities and any errors or incomplete details may result in further checks resulting in delays.

Note:

Certain contents need special licenses and documentation at origin or in the Philippines. Please ensure these are available with the shipment, or the consignee is informed to prepare these to avoid delays. For support, please contact DHL Express. You may also check the websites listed at the end of the last page for more information and tips on how to send a package overseas (e.g. FDA, NTC, OMB, for the latest rules on food, electronic items).

• De Minimis, i.e. shipments with declared value not exceeding PH₱10,000.00 of which no duty and tax will be collected. Note that value must be declared accurately, and any doubts will be subject to further checks by customs and documentation requirements which may lead to delays. If customs do not agree with the declared value, the value may be upgraded based on the National Value Verification System (NVVS).
• Informal Entry: shipments with a declared value between PH₱10,000.00 and PH₱49,999.00.
• Formal Entry: shipments with a declared value of PH₱50,000 and above.
  • For Formal Entry, the consignee must be an active, registered and accredited importer with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
  • If a shipment is consigned to an individual and for personal use, which has a value and weight that fall under the formal entry, the consignee may submit a copy of their ID and a letter of Request to File as Informal Entry which is subject to customs approval.
  • Note: certain commodities are always subject to Formal Entry.

For shipments previously exported from the Philippines for repair in another country before being imported back to the Philippines, the following additional requirements must be provided:

• Certificate of Identification (CI) and/or Certificate of Inspection and Loading (CIL) must be secured from customs before the shipment’s departure from the Philippines and must indicate that the shipment is for repair.
• Export declaration

In accordance with CMO 09-2021, missorted and misrouted shipments may be allowed to be released without payment of duties, taxes and other charges subject to the following conditions:

• The AWB indicates that the consignee address is other than in the Philippines.
• The AWB indicates that the consignee address is in the Philippines but the labels or markings clearly show that the shipping destination of the imported goods is outside the Philippines.
• Customs is notified prior to lodgment of goods declaration.
• The shipment is not regulated, restricted or prohibited in the Philippines.
• The shipment shall be returned within 24 hours from the arrival.

A shipment is considered impliedly abandoned if:

• No entry filed within 15 days.
• Permits or licenses for regulated items are not compiled within 15 days.
• Duties and taxes are not paid within 15 days from the date of Final Assessment Notice.
• The package is not claimed within 30 days upon settlement of duties and taxes.

Notes:

• Lifting of abandonment is a lengthy process and must be processed for shipment if the consignee still wants to claim the package after the shipment is already tagged as abandoned.
• A penalty is imposed for the lifting or claiming of impliedly abandoned goods in accordance with Customs Order 13-2020.

All international imported shipments coming into the Philippines are subject to payment of duties, taxes, and other local charges, even if they are previously exported from the Philippines, unless otherwise exempted by other special laws.

• The duty rate is charged based on the Harmonized Code of the item and the applicable customs duty rate.
• Duty Handling Fees: a fee is charged when DHL pays duty in advance, on behalf of the customer.
• Storage charges for packages in DHL Express facilities for more than three calendar days as applicable.
• Regulatory charges related to documentation are charged for each shipment.
• All charges are subject to VAT, as per the government-mandated rate.
• Broker Turnover Fees: only applicable when a consignee opts to use a 3rd party broker instead of DHL Express and the original paperwork is released to them for self-clearance.

Note:

All charges are receipted and will be presented to you on a DHL invoice upon delivery. Please contact our Customer Service or Clearance Support agents for specific details on charges, DHL pricing list, and DHL international shipping rates, if you are looking to ship something overseas.

Please review details based on your shipment contents at these websites below for the latest information.