Importation License

An import license is a document issued by a national government authorizing the importation of certain goods into its territory. Government put certain restrictions on what is imported.

Primarily, importing and exporting goods from and to the Philippines without the proper permit could result in imposing fines and confiscated items. Holding the correct documents will help prevent transport and processing delays and allow goods to be taken through customs efficiently.

Here’s a list of goods that are prohibited from being exported to the Philippines or are otherwise restricted

Used Clothing and Rags (Republic Act No. 4653)
Toy Guns (Letter of Instructions No.1264)
Right-Hand Drive Vehicles (Republic Act No. 8506)
Hazardous Waste, even in transit into Philippine territory (Republic Act No. 6969, Section 24 of IRR)
Laundry and Industrial Detergents containing hard surfactants (Republic Act No. 8970)
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) (DENR Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2004)
Used Motorcycle Parts, except engine (Executive Order No. 156)
Live Piranha, Shrimps and Prawns (FAO No. 126, series of 1979)

Requirements

Application Form (notarized and completely filled out).b. Bureau of Customs Official Receipt (BCOR) evidencing payment of Processing Fee (Php 1,000)
Bureau of Customs Official Receipt (BCOR) evidencing payment of Processing Fee (Php 1,000)
Corporate Secretary Certificate (Corporation) / Affidavit (Sole Proprietorship) / Partnership Resolution (Partnership) / BOD Resolution (Coop) designating its authorized signatories in the import entries
Two (2) valid government issued IDs (with picture) of Applicant and Responsible Officers
NBI Clearance of applicant (issued within three (3) months prior to the application
Latest General Information Sheet (Corp.) / DTI (Sole) / Articles of Partnership / Cooperative Development Authority (Coop)
Personal Profile of Applicant, President and Responsible Officers (with 2×2 id picture)
Company Profile with pictures of the offices w/ proper and permanent signage
Address of warehouse owned or leased by the importer where the imported goods are intended to be stored
Proof of Lawful Occupancy of Office Address and Warehouse
List of Importables
Printed CPRS Record and updated “STORED” CPRS notification of CPRS
Indorsement from the collector, if applicable
BIR Registration (2303)
Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) duly received by the BIR
Valid Mayor’s Permit

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Importation License, and when is it required in the Philippines?

An Importation License, also known as an Import Permit or Import Clearance, is a document issued by a government agency in the Philippines that authorizes the importation of specific goods into the country. It is required for certain products or commodities that are subject to import controls, restrictions, or regulations imposed by relevant government agencies.

Which government agency issues Importation Licenses in the Philippines?

The issuance of Importation Licenses in the Philippines is handled by different government agencies depending on the type of product being imported. Some key agencies involved in import regulation and issuance of Importation Licenses include the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

What are the common requirements for obtaining an Importation License in the Philippines?

The specific requirements for obtaining an Importation License may vary depending on the nature of the goods being imported and the relevant government agency involved. However, common requirements often include:

Accomplished application form for an Importation License.
Commercial invoice or pro forma invoice of the goods.
Bill of lading or airway bill.
Packing list.
Importer's accreditation or business registration documents.
Product-specific documentation such as certificates of origin, sanitary or phytosanitary certificates, or product registrations, if applicable.
Payment of fees and taxes.

What are the consequences of importing goods without the necessary Importation License in the Philippines?

Importing goods without the necessary Importation License in the Philippines can lead to various consequences, including:

Seizure of the goods by customs authorities.
Imposition of fines, penalties, or duties by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Delays in the customs clearance process, resulting in storage and demurrage charges.
Legal consequences, including potential legal action or prosecution.
Inability to comply with product regulations or requirements, leading to non-compliance and potential restrictions on distribution or sale of the goods in the country.

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