Shipping from the Philippines to the USA: The Complete Guide

In most cases, shipping from the Philippines to the USA can be challenging without the right information.

That’s why this guide explores everything you need to know about shipping from the Philippines to the USA.

From the cost, mode of shipping, labeling requirements, documents to prohibited imports from the Philippines, you will find all information right here.

Keep reading to learn more.

Cheapest Way of Shipping from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

You can only use either air shipment or ocean shipment to transport goods from the Philippines to the U.S.A. because the Philippines is an island nation.

Consequently, ocean freight is cheaper than air freight by far.

Among air freight options, standard air freight is cheaper than express air freight.

Cost of Shipping from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

The cost of shipping goods from the Philippines to the U.S.A. depends on numerous factors.

The final freight you will pay for shipping your cargo using either air or ocean will depend on the following factors.

COSCO Shipping Lane

Type and Nature of Goods you are Shipping.

Some goods are more fragile or require special treatment to move than others.

Shipping high-value goods are more expensive because they require special handling and beefed up security compared to ordinary goods.

Similarly, shipping hazardous compounds and chemicals are also more expensive, given that they require additional handling infrastructure and skilled employees.

Mode of Shipment Selected

Selection of the type of shipment is a fundamental consideration, both in efficiency regarding product delivery and freight charges.

Generally, air freight will cost you approximately five times more money to ship goods to the U.S.A. compared to ocean freight.

However, moving a small number of goods are also cheaper for air freight than ocean freight, all factors considered.

Dimensions of Cargo

You will pay more to ship larger packages that occupier more space than for smaller packages occupying lesser space.

To avoid extra cost, select a packaging system that can hold all your products in the minimal space possible.

A tightly packed package will also prevent your products from damages caused by shaking while in transit.

Weight of Cargo

Weight is a significant determinant of the final price of your cargo.

You will pay more for bulkier goods than for lighter goods, especially when your cargo weighs 100 kg or more.

Ocean freight charges will be lower for cargo weighing 100 kg and over.

On the contrary, the differences between air and ocean shipment charges for goods weighing between 35 kg and 100 kg is minimal.

You should engage the services of international courier services for cargo weighing less than 35 kg as some freight forwards will decline shipping cargo below this weight.

Distance

The distance between the initial point of cargo collection in the Philippines and the final destination also greatly affects your shipment cost.

You can use the online calculators provided by some cargo forwarding companies on their website.

You should expect to pay more with increasing distance between the pick-up point and the final destination.

Service Type

There are two main types of services offered by most forwarding companies and service couriers.

These include port-to-port services or door-to-door services.

The port-to-port services will cost you less compared to the door-to-door services.

Port-to-port service only picks your goods at the Philippines’ departure point and delivers them at the U.S.A arrival port.

You have to organize additional transport systems to move your goods to the Philippines’ departure port and from the arrival port in the U.S.A.

In contrast, the door-to-door service offers additional logistic needs to move your cargo right from your doorstep and deliver it to the final destination in the U.S.A.

Though convenient, you will have to pay more because of the additional logistics needs.

Tracking and Insurance

Depending on the nature of the goods you are shipping, you may decide to engage in tracking and insurance services.

Insurance is vital for covering the risks of damage and theft of goods while in transit.

Some courier services offer complimentary shipping and insurance, but you can also engage third party insurance providers for more protection.

Tracking is also important for planning and sometimes even assuring the customer that you have sent the goods.

However, tracking comes with additional costs.

Customs and Duties

You have to pay customs and duties for your goods before delivering them to the U.S.A. if you are supplying for trade purposes.

The customs and duties vary from product to product and sometimes from state to state.

These charges are mandatory hence must be factored in before your shipment.

Sea Routes from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

The following are some of the sea routes from the Philippines to the U.S.A.:

• Manila – Chicago
• Manila – New Orleans
• Manila – Houston
• Manila- Seattle
• Manila – Portland
• Manila – Norfolk
• Manila – Memphis
• Manila – New York
• Manila – Oakland
• Manila – Savannah
• Manilla – Detroit
• Manilla – Charlotte

Transit Time from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

The following are the estimated cargo transit time for goods leaving the Philippines for the U.S.A. by either sea or air.

Transit time from the Philippines to the U.S.A. by Sea

Transit time for the Philippines to the U.S.A by air

List of International Airports in the Philippines

The Philippines’ airports are some of the busiest in Asia due to high commerce and tourism levels.

In total, the Philippines have 70 airports, both domestic and international.

Specifically, it has the following international airports.

• Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)
• Bacolod-Silay International Airport
• Clark International Airport
• Francisco Bangoy International Airport
• General Santos International Airport
• Iloilo International Airport
• Bicol International Airport
• Kalibo International Airport
• Laoag International Airport
• Zamboanga International Airport
• Davao International Airport
• Mactan-Cebu International Airport
• Diosdado Macapagal International Airport

List of International Airports in the U.S.A.

Generally, the U.S.A. has the highest number of international airports worldwide, which stands at 102 as of 2020.

The following are some of the busiest international airports in the U.S.A. as classified through international cargo throughput.

• Louisville international airport
• Memphis international airport
• Miami international airport
• Ted Stevens Anchorage international airport
• O’Hare international airport
• Indianapolis international airport
• Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati international airport
• Los Angeles international airport
• Fort Worth/Dallas international airport
• Ontario international airport
• John F. Kennedy international airport
• Metropolitan Oakland international airport
• Newark liberty international airport
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta international airport
• Seattle-Tacoma international airport
• Daniel K. Inouye international airport
• Houston/George Bush Intercontinental Airport
• Denver international airport
• Philadelphia international airport
• Portland international airport
• Phoenix Sky Harbor international airport
• Rockford/Chicago international airport

Main Sea Ports in the Philippines

The Philippines has a total of 821 commercial seaports.

Whereas most of the ports serve the domestic markets, some ports listed below are vital for international trade.

• Port of Manila
• Port of Cebu
• Port of Davao
• Port of Batangas
• Port of Subic
• Port of Cagayan de Oro

Sea Ports in the U.S.A.

The United States of America has approximately 360 commercial ports that provide direct and indirect employment to more than 13 million citizens.

In recent years, the U.S.A. government has enhanced the infrastructural capacity of more than 60 ports to improve international trade efficiency.

Some of the busiest cargo shipment ports include:

• Port of Los Angeles
• Port of Long Beach
• Port of New Jersey and New York
• Ports of Georgia
• Port of Seattle-Tacoma
• Port of Virginia
• Port of Houston
• Port of Miami
• Port of Oakland

Duty to Pay when Shipping from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

Shipping duty is the tax or tariff that the government of the U.S.A. on goods you are exporting across the U.S.A. border.

The amount of customs duty significantly varies to the following factors; the Country of origin, the material used to manufacture the product/ material of content, etc.

Normally, the amount you will pay as custom duty is a percentage of the purchase value you paid for the goods at their Country of origin.

The U.S.A. customs officers will use the Harmonized Tariff System (H.T.S.) to determine how much you are supposed to pay for your goods at the border.

The C.B.P. officers will determine whether you need to pay duty for your goods and how much to pay after liquidating the entry and entry documents filed.

If you require advance information and your shipment’s dutiable status, you can contact the port director where your goods will harbor.

You can also write to the national commodity and specialist division director or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

In case you disagree with the duty demanded by the U.S.A. customs for your goods, then you can file a protest and apply for further review.

If the C.B.P. upholds its earlier decision, then you can appeal for a better review in the U.S Court of International Trade.

Ocean Freight from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

Ocean freight refers to the shipment of large cargo by sea from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

Ocean freight is the most common method of transporting heavy and bulky cargo and accounts for more than 90% of international shipments.

However heavily used, ocean freight has its benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits of Ocean Freight from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

Shipping your goods by sea has numerous advantages as opposed to air shipment.

These benefits include:

Cost

Shipping your goods from the Philippines to the U.S.A. by sea is way cheaper compared to air freight.

Ocean freight is approximately five or six times cheaper compared to air freight.

Convenience for Heavy Goods

Ocean freight is ideal for shipping heavy and bulky goods, unlike air freight with a weight limit.

You cannot ship certain types of bulky goods such as steel, grains, etc., using air freight.

Even if it were possible to ship such bulky goods, the cost would be beyond reasonable business profit thresholds.

Safety

Ocean freight is ideal for the shipment of chemicals and hazardous materials compared to air freight.

The shipping industry has well-trained employees for the safe handling of such materials.

Similarly, some policies ensure safe and secure cargo movement from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

Environmentally Friendly

Sea shipment emits the least amount of carbon per unit weight of material shipped from the Philippines to the U.S.A. compared to air freight.

Ships also use lesser fuel per unit ton of material transported compared to air freight.

Efficiency

You can transport any type of good of any dimensions and weight.

You pull resources, arrange the tinier goods in a single container and transport them as a unit through a shared cot.

Similarly, you can transport the bulkier, bigger, and heavier goods efficiently at a reasonable cost implication.

Disadvantages of Ocean Freight from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

The following are the shortcomings of ocean freight:

Slow Speed

Sea transportation consumes more time than air transport and therefore only suitable for use when the products have more lead time.

Whereas air transport can deliver your goods in a matter of 2 or 3 days, ocean freight may last even a whole month and over.

Also, unfavorable weather can cause further delays in ocean freight.

Risk

You risk delivery delays due to the amount of time needed to move goods from the Philippines to the U.S.A. by sea.

You may lose your shipment as a result of such delays or unfavorable weather conditions in the ocean.

Not suitable for Small Quantities of Goods

The pricing for small amounts of goods will not favor you when you ship them through ocean freight.

Insufficient Infrastructure

Not all ports have the necessary infrastructure required to harbor huge container ships.

Handling containers also require special equipment and facilities that may not be adequate for all incoming shipment.

Shipping Companies to Use when Shipping from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

You can use either of the following shipping companies to move your goods.

MAERSK Line

• P. Moller – Maersk Group
• CMA CGM Group
• Evergreen Marine
• Zim
• China Cosco
• Pacific International Lines
• Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (M.S.C.)

Air Freight from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

Airfreight is the shipment of goods from one destination to the other by airplane.

The air carrier may be charter or commercial.

Though you can use air freight and air cargo interchangeably, the former refers to the amount paid for the shipment of goods, while the latter refers to the actual shipment without the price.

Some air freight follows the same gateways as a passenger or commercial planes, while others fly out of the gateways to any destination that a plane can land.

Benefits of Air Freight from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

The following are some of the advantages of moving your goods using air freight to any other transport system.

Faster

Airfreight is the fastest mode of shipping your cargo from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

Unlike seas freight, which will take several weeks, air freight will only take a few days to deliver the goods to the U.S.A.

Airfreight is the best mode of transport for highly perishable goods or goods that should quickly reach consumers.

High reliability

You will achieve timely delivery of goods to your clients when you ship your cargo by air freight.

Reliability is critical if you are to maintain happy and loyal clients.

Airfreight specifically works on schedule departure and arrivals.

You can Ship Anywhere in the U.S.A. by Air Freight.

You can deliver your cargo to almost any destination in the U.S.A. directly from the Philippines without hustle.

The leading airlines operating the Philippines-USA route schedule their flights to almost all major cities in the U.S.A.

Secure Shipment

If you are shipping high-value goods, then airfreight is the way to go.

Unlike ocean freight, the incidences of damaged or stolen goods are sporadic.

The management and handling of cargo at the airport are usually very secure, and clearance is done in a matter of hours.

This tight procedure significantly reduces theft and damage incidences.

Lower Operational Cost

You don’t need to lease or own a warehouse at the airport because air freight is speedy.

Henceforth, you don’t have to stock goods locally.

The faster cargo movement also results in a total lower insurance premium.

Goods transported by air also require less packing material compared to ocean freight.

Therefore, you will save on cash that would have otherwise gone to additional packaging, insurance, and warehousing.

Ease of Tracking

You can easily track your goods while on the flight using the flight number and scheduled departure and landing.

Some freight forwarders also provide you with website tracking options to monitor your goods’ status while on transit.

Limitations of Shipping from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

 United cargo

High Prices

Though faster, air freight is the most expensive mode of transporting cargo to any destination.

Shipping your goods through air costs five or six times more than standard ocean freight for a given unit of commodities.

The high costs of prices make air freight only ideal for shipping high-value goods that pay back the hefty investment.

Risky

Air transport is very risky because any mechanical complications can cause catastrophic losses.

Similarly, a change in weather conditions can significantly affect the flight schedule causing a terrible delay in product delivery.

Limited Capacity

Airfreight can only handle a given quantity or weight of cargo, limiting shipment for exporters with voluminous or bulky products.

Airlines to use when Shipping from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

Some of the airlines you can use to ship your products to the U.S.A. from the Philippines include:

• Ari Asia
• Air China
• Cathay Pacific
• British Airways
• Eva Airways
• Fed Ex Express
• Emirates Airline
• China Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• China Southern Airlines
• Asiana Airlines etc.

Using Courier Services to Ship from the Philippines to the USA

A carrier service provider is a company that offers transportation of goods using either ship, planes, and lorries to deliver your products from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

You can use courier services to ship small quantities of goods or goods that are not considered heavy.

Some of the leading courier service providers you can use include; FedEx, DHL, U.P.S., etc.

There are different types of courier services.

They include:

• Express courier service
• Standard courier service
• Freight courier service

To ensure the safe delivery of your goods using courier services, consider the following:

• Have standby personnel at the pick-up point and delivery point
• In case you need help, then communicate to the courier services before the scheduled date.
• Arrange all the documents required for custom clearance
• Ensure that you appropriately pack your goods as specified by the relevant regulations

How to Drop Shipping from the Philippines to the U.S.A. Works

Drop shipping model

Dropshipping is an online business where the seller does not need to stock the goods they are selling online.

When you supply your customer through drop shipping, you won’t have to pay for the goods until they pay for them.

You can easily drop ship from the Philippines to the U.S.A. For successful drop shipping from the Philippines to the U.S.A, you can follow these easy steps.

• Develop an online marketing website
• Conduct an online search and find an online supplier who manufactures or supplies the products you want to sell.
• Post the products on your website with marked price tags.
• The customer places an order on your website, paying directly to you.
• Redirect your customer’s order to the supplier and pay them the original price, keeping the surplus/profit for yourself. The supplier will also charge you the shipment cost and any other customs or duty fee.
• The supplier will ship the product directly to the client with your branding.

However, you will have to adhere to the following rules and regulations when drop shipping to the U.S.A.

These rules vary depending on whether you are a citizen of the United States or not.

For Citizens of the U.S., you have to

• Register your business’s official trademark
• Follow the anti-spam law to the latter.
• Pay your taxes as required by law, which varies from one state to another and from product to product.

For non-U.S. citizens that want to start drop-shipping to the U.S.A., the following conditions apply.

They complement the ones mentioned above.

• You will need to get the U.S.A. Reseller Permit
• You will not benefit from credit from U.S.A. based suppliers if you are not based in the U.S.
• You will pay higher taxes for drop shipping to the U.S.

How Door to Door Shipping from the Philippines to the U.S.A. Works

Door to door shipment from the Philippines to the U.S.A. is where you engage in a courier company or freight forwarding.

The shipping companies move your good from the point of origin to the final destination

It is a comprehensive type of service that factors in all the costs involved in moving the products.

The forwarding or courier services company follows the procedures below to transport/handle your good.

Picking up your Goods and Moving them to and from the Ports of Origin.

The freight forwarding companies will pack and transport your goods to the port of origin.

They will also pick the goods and transport them to the final destination once they have been cleared at the custom.

Custom Clearance

The freight forwarding company you select will handle all the custom related paperwork on your behalf in both the Philippines and U.S.A.

Shipping your Goods

The freight forwarding company will advise you appropriately on the shipping port and carrier to use.

They will liaise with the shipping carrier on your behalf and ensure that your products are loaded on the plane or ship as scheduled.

The freight forwarder you have engaged will continuously provide you with your shipment status once it is en-route.

The freight forwards will organize to move goods from the point of origin to the final destination in such a way as to ensure that the total shipment cost is at its minimum.

How L.C.L. Shipping from the Philippines to the U.S.A. compares to F.C.L. Shipping from the Philippines to the USA

 FCL vs LCL Shipping

LCL Shipping from the Philippines to the USA

L.C.L. shipping refers to Less than Container Loads.

You can use L.C.L. when shipping a small number of goods that cannot fill an entire container.

L.C.L. shipping offers an option of shipping your goods in a shared container together with shipment from other shippers.

Less than Container Load shipping option is ideal for use under the following conditions:

• Goods that can share a container with goods from other shippers
• A Consignment that is not suitable for air freight
• A Consignment that is not urgently needed in the U.S.A.
• A small quantity of consignment

Don’t use L.C.L. to move the following categories of goods.

• Goods that must be delivered to the U.S.A. urgently
• Bulky, large, or heavy goods
• High value or perishable goods
• Fragile goods

F.C.L. Shipping from the Philippines to the USA

F.C.L. shipping refers to the Full Container Load type of shipping.

Under this shipping agreement, you rent the whole container to transport your goods to the U.S.A, exclusively.

F.C.L. is ideal when you are shipping voluminous goods that can fill at least half the full container’s capacity, that is, a load capacity above 14 C.B.M.

You should also select this shipping option for goods that meet the following criteria:

• A Consignment that must arrive at its final destination by a specific date.
• High value, and fragile goods that can break easily
• Bulky or heavy goods
• When the shipments have to remain sealed until it reaches the final destination.

F.C.L. is the most cost-effective option for voluminous goods because you will pay a flat rate no matter the number of goods you load into the container.

Product to Ship from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

You can ship anything from the Philippines to the U.S.A., provided it is not prohibited by either the Philippines or the U.S.A.

Some products are also restricted.

You can only import these products into the U.S.A after acquiring a license or an import permit.

Some of the products you can ship, either for commercial purposes or domestic use, include:

• Household product
• Electronics
• Sports equipment
• Jewelry and watches
• Food product
• Furniture
• Papers and documents
• Artworks
• Small and big parcels
• Medicines
• Cloths and apparels

Benefits of using Freight Forwarder when Shipping from the Philippines to the USA

A freight forwarding company is an enterprise that helps a client organize their shipment.

They will collect the goods at the point of origin and deliver them to the final destination at a reasonable fee.

A freight forwarder will help you arrange for logistics, file insurance, prepare proper documentation, track goods, book warehouse, and surveillance.

They will also negotiate with the cargo carriers on your behalf for better freight charges and help consolidate the freight.

Engaging the services of a freight forwarding company will yield the following benefits for your business:

• They offer better freight organization and manageability with immediate identification of any mishappening during shipment and enacting a swift solution.
• They are versatile and can swiftly respond to unforeseen obstacles that might arise in the cause of shipment.
• Using an experienced freight forwarding company helps you save on logistics costs. They can negotiate for lower prices on your behalf because they are always moving high volumes of goods.

Some also offer the benefit of storing your goods at a local warehouse to gain more control of your goods.

• Using a freight forward will make the rather complicated international shipment look very simple.

They have a wide range of experience and will save you from all the hustles involved in vetting carriers, negotiating the best prices, selecting the best routes, etc.

• Engaging a freight forwarder eliminates the need to contract a single carrier for years through a binding document.

They offer a special kind of operational liquidity that enables you to make decisions in your business’s best interest.

• A freight forwarding company increases your business efficiency and saves you time. They know the best ports to use and how to fasten clearing goods through the custom.
• They ensure that your freight has all the legal documents required for your shipment to get through the customs.

Incoterms to use when Shipping from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

Incoterms 2020

Incoterms are the International Commercial Terms.

They outline the transactional responsibilities and obligations of a seller and a buyer.

An incoterm defines four key responsibilities;

• The shipment’s destination-Where is the final official destination?
• Cost of Transport-Who pays?
• Cost of Insurance -Who pays?
• Outline the imports and Exports formalities-Whose responsible for custom declarations?

There are a total of 11 incoterms that you can use in international trade.

However, you may only need two or so to ship your goods to the U.S.A., depending on the products you are exporting.

The choice of a more appropriate incoterm depends on whether you will be exporting or importing into the U.S.A.

• For exporters, the following incoterms are favorable.
  • EXW (Ex Works): The buyer will collect the goods at the seller’s store and assume all other costs after that.
  • Other incoterms that can favor include:
    • FCA-Free Carrier
    • FAS-Free Alongside Shipment
    • FOB-Free on Board
    • CPT-Carriage Paid To
    • CIP-Carriage and Insurance Paid To)
    • CFR-Cost and Freight
    • I.F.- Cost Insurance and Freight
  • However, you should avoid DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) and A.P. (Delivery At Place) because they will add to your expenditure.
  • For an Importer, A.T. (Delivery at Terminal), D.P.P. and D.A.P. are the most suitable.
  • You can also opt for F.A.S., F.O.B., or F.C.A. depending on your level of experience in imports.

Restricted and Prohibited Imports when Shipping from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

The United States has imposed restrictions and prohibitions on some products from entering its territories.

The prohibitions/restrictions help protect the states’ economy and security, citizens’ health, environment, and domestic animal and plant life.

The prohibitions and restrictions are provided for in the national laws.

Customs and border protection agencies must enforce the laws at entry points.

These laws may prohibit entry, limit entry to specific ports, restrict storage, routing, use, processing, labeling, etc.

The following classes of products may be prohibited or have restricted entry, use under the United States of America laws.

Some prohibited imports

Agricultural Commodities

Some of these products include:

Dairy Products

You must get an import license from the Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration to import cheese and cheese products into the U.S.A.

Similarly, you must acquire a permit from the department of health and human services, the department of food and drug administration, and Agriculture.

Vegetables, Fruits, and Nuts

The products must meet the U.S.A. import requirements relating to grade, quality, size, and maturity to be allowed into the Country.

You have to get an inspection certificate from the USDA to show that your products meet the prescribed requirements.

Ensure that you also comply with any restrictions imposed by the Animal and Plants Health Inspection Services of the USDA or quarantined pests and diseases.

The Division of Import Operation and Policy of the Food and Drug Administration can also impose additional restrictions for incoming vegetables, fruits, and nuts.

Insects

You can only import live plants insect pests, including eggs, pupae, and larvae, for research purposes.

You must have a permit from the Animal and Plants Health Inspection Services (APHIS).

The pest must also not be prohibited by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

Livestock and Animals

Any animal imported into the U.S.A. must meet the inspection requirements of (APHIS).

You also have to get a permit from APHIS before importing an animal into the U.S.A.

Also, accompany the imported animal with a veterinary health certificate.

The U.S. customs restrict the entry of imported animals to specific ports that can quarantine them.

Other agricultural products that have restricted access include:

• Seeds
• Wood packing materials
• Meat, poultry, and egg products
• Tobacco-related products

Arms. Ammunitions and Radioactive Materials

The following products are restricted or prohibited for importations unless you meet specific set requirements.

Besides, the requirements have to be accompanied by permits and licenses from respective government agencies.

• Arms, explosives, ammunition, and war elements
• Nuclear reactors and radioactive materials

Consumer Products-Energy Conservation

They must meet the set standards required for energy conservation under Energy Policy and Conservation Act, Energy Policy Act 1992

• Household products:
• Commercial and Industrial equipment

Consumer Products-Safety

The following products are required by U.S.A. law to meet the U.S.

Consumer Products Safety Commission’s safety standards regulations.

• Children products and Toys
• Lead in paints
• Bicycles and helmets
• Fireworks
• Flammable fabrics
• Multipurpose lighters and Cigarette lighters
• Art materials

Electronic Products

These include:

• Articles that produce sonic radiation and radiation products.

These products must meet the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act on Electronic Product Radiation requirements.

• Radio Frequency Devices

The products in this subcategory have to meet the requirements provided for under the Communication Act 1934.

Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Medical Devices

All products relating to the above have to meet Public Health Security and Bio-Terrorism and Response Ac of 2002 specifications.

The purpose of the above Act is to ensure that food meant for either human or animal consumption is safe and secure.

The following subcategories are affected.

• Food and Cosmetics
• Biological drugs
• Biological materials and vectors
• Narcotic drugs and their derivatives
• Drug paraphernalia

High-Value Minerals, Currency, and Stamps

The U.S. government also prohibits or restricts the importation of the following high-value minerals:

• Conflict diamonds: You have to follow the Kimberly Process Certification when importing rough gold into the U.S. The Kimberly process reduces international trade of conflict diamonds and facilitates the trade of legitimate diamonds.
• Gold and Silver: Must meet the National Stamping Act (15 U.S.C. 291-300).
• Counterfeit currencies: You cannot import counterfeit currencies, either of the U.S.A. or any other foreign country.
• Monetary instruments: You have to file a transaction report with the C.B.P. If you have to import a monetary instrument worth more than $ 10, 000 into the U.S.A. The same also applies to the receipt of more than $ 10, 000 in cash from another country.

Toxic and Hazardous Substances and Pesticides

• Pesticides: You have to adhere to the requirements of the Federal Insecticides, Fungicides and Rodenticides Act (FIFRA) 1988. Your imports will be denied entry into the U.S.A. if you do not register your products to the provisions of FIFRA section 3.
• Toxic substance: Must adhere to Toxic Substances Control Act 1977.
• Hazardous Substance: You should handle the hazardous substances according to the requirements of the following acts:
  • The Hazardous Substances Act
  • Caustic Poison Act
  • Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
  • Consumer Product Safety Act.
• Other groups of prohibited and restricted merchandise include:
  • Copyrights, trademarks, and tradenames
  • Wool, Fur, and Textile Products
  • Wildlife and Pets
  • Petroleum and petroleum products
  • Forced Labor or Convict Products
  • Cultural/Artifacts properties
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Motor vehicles and boats

Labeling Requirements when Shipping from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

Correctly labeling your products will provide sufficient information for shippers and other bodies that handle the goods across the U.S.A. border.

The U.S. government has specific and legally constituted labeling requirements for products imported into the U.S.A.

Both federal and state regulations govern the labeling of consumer products in the U.S.A.

The enforcement of correct consumer product labeling regulations is spread across numerous and different government agencies.

The agencies deal with different products and consult with the specified agencies on any special labeling requirements before importation.

Consequently, you will not get a single law or agency that covers all products’ labeling requirements.

Ensure that you conduct sufficient research to learn more about laws relating to your products’ labeling, keeping in mind the state you intend to export.

Some of the bodies that oversee correct labeling of products include:

• Federal Trade Commission
• United States Department of Agriculture
• Food and Drug Administration
• Federal Communication Commission.

However, all goods entering the U.S.A. must contain the Country of origin label.

The Country of origin must be visible and placed either on the packaging or the product itself.

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection trade publication page to find detailed information on how to label import goods.

NOTE: Your products will be denied entry through U.S.A. customs if it lacks the Country of origin label.

Quality Standards and Requirements when Shipping from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

There are no cover oval mandatory standards that regulate the quality of all aspects of goods entering the U.S.A. Different products must adhere to different industrial quality standards.

You can consider the following themes on products’ quality management:

Health and Safety

Ensure that the type of product you are shipping meets the relevant government agencies’ industrial health and safety regulations.

Ensure that your product does not pose a danger to its user in any way.

It should remain safe even if it were to be misused.

Governance and Industrial Standards

You should ensure that the product you are importing to the U.S. conform to institutional, industrial standards and the U.S.A. set regulations.

Check the minimum specification requirements for products being sold in the U.S. government and the necessary actions you need to ensure that you comply.

You should search on the ASMT or CPSC standards related to your product and ensure that they comply appropriately.

Quantities

Ensure that you are shipping the exact quantities specified in the order.

The customs authority will deny your product’s entry into the U.S. if the products you ship contradict what is in the orders and invoice.

Product Specification

The products you ship into the U.S. should function as specified in the ASMT or CPSC standards.

You can purchase the ASMT standards file to help you confirm if your product design and specifications meet the U.S.A. market standards.

Packaging and Packing

Ensure that you follow the guidelines provided by U.S. customs on how to prepare your product packages for shipment.

Your packaging should provide sufficient protection to the product.

Also, different industries may set their guidelines on how related products are supposed to be packed.

Documents you need when Shipping from the Philippines to the U.S.A.

You need to ensure that your products conform to the Philippines export regulations and meet the U.S.A. entry requirements.

Failure to comply or making mistakes in the necessary documents can be costly and delay the process of clearing your products at customs.

The following documents are necessary:

• Entry Manifest or C.B.P. form 7533
• Evidence of right to make an entry
• Commercial invoice or pro forma invoice
• Packing list
• Certificate of Origin
• Bill of Lading/Air way bill
• Arrival notice (for F.D.A. regulated product)
• Importer Security Filing (for Ocean freight)

Bi-laterals Trade Agreements Between the Philippines and U.S.A.

Yes, the Philippines and U.S.A. signed a bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, and a tax treaty in 1989.

Using H.S. Code when Shipping from Philippines U.S.A.?

H.S. code stands for Harmonized Systems.

The coding system was developed by World Customs Organization and is used to classify products traded internationally.

Officially, the H.S. code is a six-digit number.

However, the U.S. uses Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) code, a ten-digit number.

The HTSUS is administered by the United States International Trade Commission.

You MUST use the correct HTSUS codes for your goods to be allowed entry into the U.S.A by the C.B.P. officers.

The first six digits of the HTSUS codes adopt a similar pattern to that of the H.S. codes.

The additional four digits refer to specific items.

In case you have any questions when shipping from the Philippines to the USA, BanSar is here to make the process seamless and cost-effective.

Contact BanSar now for all your freight forwarding needs from the Philippines.