How to Import from China to the Philippines

You don't need a customs brokerage licence, a container's worth of stock, or a business permit to start importing. You need a supplier, a forwarder, and an understanding of the process.

Step 1 — Find and vet a supplier

Most Filipino importers source from 1688 (domestic Chinese prices, cheapest, Chinese-language), Alibaba (export-oriented, English, buyer protection), or Taobao (consumer marketplace, good for small quantities).

Vetting checklist before you pay anything:

• How long has the supplier been trading on the platform?
• Do they have transaction history and reviews?
• Will they send real photos or video of the actual product?
• Will they ship a sample first?

Step 2 — Get your client code

Before anything ships, you need an Angkat client code — a unique label that ties every box to your account. Our warehouse cannot accept packages without one.

• Sea freight format: AKPH-ABC
• Air freight format: AIR AKPH-ABC 0917123456

Step 3 — Send your supplier the warehouse details

Give your supplier three things:

1. The correct Angkat warehouse address for their region
2. Your client code, to be written on every box
3. Packing instructions — sturdy boxes, fillers, fragile labels, pallets for fragile goods

Missing or incorrect codes are the most common cause of delayed and unmatched shipments.

Step 4 — Choose sea or air

Bulky and planned → sea (15–25 days). Small, urgent, or valuable → air (5–7 days).

Step 5 — Track your shipment

Once your goods hit our China warehouse you get a tracking code and can follow progress in your Angkat Express account.

Step 6 — Pay and claim

When your shipment reaches Manila you're billed the all-in rate — taxes, duties, port fees, freight and warehouse fees included. Settle it, then claim at our Malabon or Quezon City warehouse, or take free delivery within covered Metro Manila areas.

What it actually costs

Angkat rates start from ₱350, all-in. The real cost depends on volume (CBM) or weight, whichever is greater, plus your commodity type.

Five mistakes that cost first-timers money

1. Skipping the sample. Bulk-ordering something you've never held.
2. Buying counterfeits. Branded goods at impossible prices are fake and won't clear customs.
3. Wrong measurements. Inaccurate dimensions or weight change your quote at the warehouse.
4. No client code on boxes. The warehouse cannot accept them.
5. Ignoring Chinese New Year. Factories and freight stop for roughly two weeks. Plan 4–6 weeks of buffer.

Related reading

• Philippine import duties and taxes explained
• How to order from 1688
• What you can't import
• Sea freight vs air freight