Do I pay import duty on EV chargers in the Philippines?

Not under the current EV incentive program - EV charging equipment lands duty-free, and completely built charging stations have an additional multi-year duty exemption. The exemption depends on correct tariff classification.

Do imported EV chargers need ICC certification?

Yes. EV charging equipment is a regulated electrical product. Each shipment needs a DTI-BPS Import Commodity Clearance (ICC), issued per Bill of Lading after inspection, before the units can legally be sold.

Should I import AC chargers or DC fast chargers?

AC wallboxes suit condos and offices and are cheaper and easier to handle. DC fast chargers suit fuel stations and fleets, cost more, and are under-supplied - a gap worth targeting.

How long does customs clearance and certification take?

Customs release is quick with clean documents, but the ICC adds an inspection-and-testing step, and units cannot be sold until it is granted. Preparing the ICC alongside the freight keeps the timeline short.

Do I need DOE accreditation to import a charger?

Importing does not require it, but operating a public charging station does. The operator registers and accredits the station with the Department of Energy under EVIDA, using certified imported hardware.

Is shipping insurance necessary for my B2B importation?

While not always legally mandated, cargo insurance is highly recommended for B2B logistics. International sea and air freight are subject to unpredictable risks like severe weather, port handling accidents, and general average declarations. Insurance ensures financial indemnity against total or partial loss.

What does your comprehensive all-risk freight insurance cover?

Our All-Risk coverage generally protects against physical loss or damage to your cargo from external causes during transit. This includes maritime perils, theft, handling damage, and transit collisions from origin pickup to final mile delivery in the Philippines.

How is the cost of my cargo insurance calculated?

The insurance premium is a small percentage of your cargo's declared value (Commercial Invoice value) plus the cost of freight. The exact rate depends on the commodity type, shipping route, and the specific coverage tier you select.

Do I pay import duty on e-bikes in the Philippines?

Not under the current EV incentive program - e-bikes, e-scooters, e-trikes, e-motorcycles, and their batteries land duty-free, held until 2028. The exemption depends on correct tariff classification.

Why can't I just ship e-bikes by regular courier?

Their lithium batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods. Couriers often refuse or heavily surcharge them. Shipments need UN 38.3 testing, correct labeling, and a Dangerous Goods Declaration; for volume, sea freight under the IMDG Code is the realistic route.

Do my customers need to register an imported e-bike with the LTO?

Light e-bikes and e-scooters used on private roads or bike lanes are generally exempt. E-motorcycles, e-trikes, and e-quads must be registered, carry a plate, and be ridden by a licensed rider.

Who registers a brand-new e-bike - the dealer or the buyer?

Under LTO MC VDM-2024-2637, the initial registration of a brand-new light electric vehicle is the dealer's obligation. If you import to resell, that responsibility lands on you, so price it in.

Can I ship spare e-bike batteries separately?

Yes, but loose batteries ship as UN3480, the stricter dangerous-goods category, with tighter air limits and often sea-only handling. Plan the packaging and documentation before ordering.

HBK Shipping Insurance

Why cargo shipping insurance protects your imports

Oftentimes the problem is with Customs as with any importer, no one is exempted, not even the big companies. But the difference between you and the big ones is, they have enough funds to cover for their losses should one or several of their containers get seized. This is where our insurance comes in so your investment is protected.

See Coverage & Pricing Get the Form

The Real Importation Process

It's Not Just Supplier → HBK → Buyer

As you see, in the importation, the process is not direct from supplier → HBK → buyer only.
It goes supplier → HBK → Philippine Customs → buyer.

Take note that we are not obliging any of our clients to avail of the insurance
but just informing everyone on how to protect their investment.

The Real Importation Process

7.5%

Of whatever amount you declare in that form.

Coverage

100%

With insurance, we are responsible for 100% of the value declared in that form and will pay you either in cash or with our shipping service until such time that we can make up for the full value.

How to Apply

Payment Instructions

You may deposit the shipping insurance fee via our BDO account.

BDO Account — HBK Global Trading

002070072653

3 Documents Required Every Time You Avail of Insurance

1

A scanned copy of filled up shipping insurance form (make sure date is similar to your BDO deposit slip).

2

A scanned copy of your BDO deposit slip (make sure date is similar to your filled up shipping insurance form).

3

Picture of your box/cargo with the assigned shipping mark attached to it.

Get Started and Download the Form Now

Download the Form

HBK Shipping Insurance

Why cargo shipping insurance protects your imports

The Real Importation Process

It's Not Just Supplier → HBK → Buyer

The Real Importation Process

7.5%

Coverage

100%

How to Apply

Payment Instructions

BDO Account — HBK Global Trading

3 Documents Required Every Time You Avail of Insurance

1

A scanned copy of filled up shipping insurance form (make sure date is similar to your BDO deposit slip).

2

A scanned copy of your BDO deposit slip (make sure date is similar to your filled up shipping insurance form).

3

Picture of your box/cargo with the assigned shipping mark attached to it.

Get Started and Download the Form Now

No Account? No Problem: Use HBK’s China Delivery Address Without Registering

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Importing EV Charging Stations to the Philippines: 2026 Guide

Import Financing in the Philippines: How to Buy Now and Keep Your Cash

The BOC’s Trillion-Peso Drive: Defeating the 2026 Valuation Crackdown

Labor Day 2026: Honoring the Philippine Logistics Workforce

HBK Global Trading Minnesota Mansion Unit 106, #267 Ermin Garcia Avenue, Cubao, Q.C.

+63(917) 833-8008