Guide to exporting goods from China to the Philippines: exportable and prohibited goods, transportation methods and latest prices

1. List of Exportable and Prohibited Goods

Common Chinese products that can be exported to the Philippines

1. Electronic products : mobile phones, computer accessories, household appliances (must comply with Philippine electrical standards)
2. Machinery and equipment : construction machinery, agricultural machinery, food processing equipment
3. Textiles : clothing, footwear, home textile products
4. Building materials : tiles, bathroom equipment, hardware tools
5. Daily necessities : plastic products, kitchen supplies, stationery
6. Auto parts : tires, batteries, spare parts
7. Food : processed food (requires Philippine FDA certification), snacks, condiments

Goods prohibited or restricted from export to the Philippines

1. Dangerous goods : flammable and explosive items, toxic chemicals (special permission required)
2. Weapons and ammunition : all types of weapons and their accessories
3. Drugs and drug paraphernalia
4. Endangered species : ivory, rhino horn and other products from CITES listed species
5. Drugs : Drugs not approved by the Philippine FDA
6. Gambling equipment

Note: Philippine customs regulations may be adjusted at any time. It is recommended to confirm the latest list through the Philippine Customs official website or professional agents before exporting.

2. Comparison and selection suggestions of transportation methods

1. Ocean shipping (the most economical option)

• Full container load (FCL) :
  • Suitable for exporters with large cargo volume (≥20 cubic meters)
  • Common container types: 20-foot container (about 28 CBM), 40-foot container (about 58 CBM)
  • Advantages: Lowest unit price, suitable for large quantities of goods
  • Disadvantages: Long transportation time, need to wait for LCL
• Less than Container Load (LCL) :
  • Suitable for small and medium cargo volumes (1-20 cubic meters)
  • Advantages: Flexible, no need to wait for a full container
  • Disadvantages: The unit price is higher than the full container, and storage fees may be incurred

Shipping time :

• China major ports (Shanghai/Shenzhen/Ningbo) to Manila: 7-12 days
• To other ports in the Philippines (Cebu/Davao): 10-20 days

2. Air Freight (fast but expensive)

• Suitable for high-value, time-sensitive goods
• Advantages: The fastest delivery time is 3-5 days
• Disadvantage: The price is 5-10 times that of sea freight
• Common airports: Manila International Airport (MNL), Clark International Airport (CRK)

3. Land + Sea Transportation (Special Routes)

• Applicable to specific routes from southern China (such as Yunnan) to the Philippines via Vietnam and Laos
• Advantages: May save time compared to pure sea transportation
• Disadvantages: complex routes and cumbersome customs clearance procedures

3. The latest transportation price reference in 2025

Ocean Freight Prices (Updated May 2024)

• LCL:
  • General cargo: 7800 pesos/1CBM
  • Sensitive goods: 8,800 pesos/1CBM
• Whole cabinet:
  • General cargo: 424,798 pesos/1CBM
  • Sensitive cargo: 50,200 pesos/1CBM

Air Freight Price

General cargo: 1-50kg 400 pesos/kg

50-100kg 380 pesos/kg

100kg+ 360 pesos/kg

Sensitive goods: 1-50kg 480 pesos/kg

50-100kg 440 pesos/kg

100kg+ 360 pesos/kg

Note: The above prices are market reference prices. The actual prices will fluctuate according to fuel prices, seasonal factors (such as price increases before and after the Spring Festival), specific ports and freight forwarding companies.

IV. Practical suggestions

1. Certification preparation : Apply for Philippine product certification in advance (such as PS certification, FDA certification, etc.)
2. Complete documents : Ensure that the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and other documents are accurate
3. Tariff optimization : Understand the preferential tariff rates of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and apply for FORM E certificate of origin to enjoy tariff reductions and exemptions
4. Insurance purchase : It is recommended to purchase ocean/air freight insurance (about 0.3% of the cargo value)
5. Seasonal considerations : Avoid the peak shipping period before Christmas (October to December), when prices may increase by 30-50%
6. Local cooperation : Consider cooperating with local importers in the Philippines and utilizing their customs clearance resources.

It is recommended to consult a professional freight forwarder to obtain the latest quotes and regulations before exporting. Philippine customs policies change frequently, and keeping information updated can avoid unnecessary delays and losses.