April 3, 2026

Importation Guides

Foreign companies looking to import goods into the Philippines must deal with a regulatory environment that requires coordination with the Bureau of Customs and other government agencies. Importation may be conducted through a locally registered entity or through an authorized representative.

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Establishing a Local Presence

Foreign companies typically set up a Philippine entity or partner with a local distributor to facilitate importation. This entity must secure the necessary accreditation and permits required by customs and regulatory agencies.

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The Importation Process

The importation process involves:

Foreign companies must also account for logistical arrangements, including the import permits required for their product type., including warehousing and distribution.

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BOC Accreditation

BOC Accreditation is a mandatory requirement before any importation activity can take place. This is done through the Client Profile Registration System (CPRS), which provides access to the customs electronic system (e2m).

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How to Get BOC Accreditation

  1. Register Your Business - Sole Proprietorship: DTI; Corporation/Partnership: SEC.
  2. Secure BIR Registration - Obtain TIN and Certificate of Registration (Form 2303).
  3. Prepare Required Documents - DTI/SEC Registration, BIR Certificate, valid government ID, proof of business address, notarized SPA if applicable.
  4. Apply via CPRS - Access through the Bureau of Customs website, fill out the importer profile, and upload required documents.
  5. Evaluation by BOC - BOC reviews submitted documents and may request clarification.
  6. Approval and Activation - Once approved, your account is activated in the e2m system.

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Getting accredited before your first shipment arrives is critical. For a full walkthrough of the process, see our Step-by-Step Importation Guide Philippines. Late registration often results in storage charges and processing delays that could have been avoided.