Guides
Philippine Import & Customs Guides
Plain-English answers to the questions shoppers ask after clicking "order" on Temu, Shein, AliExpress, Lazada, and Shopee.
How to Compute Import Tax in the Philippines
Step by step: FOB vs CIF, the ₱10,000 de minimis, customs duty, and 12% VAT — with a worked example.
Read guide →De minimisThe ₱10,000 De Minimis Rule (CAO 02-2025)
What the ₱10,000 FOB exemption covers, the same-day consolidation rule, and when duty and VAT kick in.
Read guide →VAT12% VAT on Imports in the Philippines
How the 12% import VAT is computed on CIF plus duty, when it applies, and how it differs from seller fees.
Read guide →ClearanceWhy Is My Package Held by Customs in the Philippines?
Temu, Shein, or AliExpress order stuck "for customs clearance"? The real reasons packages are held and what you can do.
Read guide →PaymentHow to Pay Customs Duties and VAT in the Philippines
Your import is over ₱10,000 — now what? A plain guide to how you actually pay duty and 12% VAT, via courier or PHLPOST.
Read guide →CategoryImport Tax on Phones in the Philippines
Many smartphones are duty-free under the ITA — here is how duty and 12% VAT work for phones and gadgets.
Read guide →CategoryImport Tax on Shoes in the Philippines
Footwear duty, the ₱10,000 de minimis, and 12% VAT explained — with a worked example for a sneaker order.
Read guide →CategoryImport Tax on Bags in the Philippines
How duty and 12% VAT apply to bags and accessories, and why high-value bags usually exceed the ₱10,000 threshold.
Read guide →CategoryImport Tax on Cosmetics & Skincare
Duty and 12% VAT on beauty hauls, the ₱10,000 de minimis, and when the FDA may require clearance.
Read guide →CategoryImport Tax on Car Parts in the Philippines
How the de minimis, customs duty, and 12% VAT apply to automotive parts — and why you must verify your HS code.
Read guide →Ready to estimate your specific import?
Open the calculator →