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.

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.

Sea Freight — Korea to Manila

Korea Shipping to Manila

Korea shipping to Manila moves everything from bulk industrial machinery out of Busan to the K-beauty and K-food products flying off Philippine shelves — and the margins on all of it depend on how clean your documentation is when it hits the Manila port system.

General forwarders treat this lane like any other. We don't. Our team handles manifest reconciliation built specifically around Philippine customs valuation standards, so the hidden storage fees and reassessment charges that quietly bleed other importers' profits never reach your shipment. Your LCL consolidation stays cost-effective and technically bulletproof — port to your door.

You source from Korea. We solve the port before it's ever a problem.

Get A Free Korea Shipping Quote See Our Process

Shipping Instructions: Navigating Sea Freight from South Korea

This guide provides the official instructions for using our shipping service from Korea to the Philippines. Following this process carefully is essential for ensuring your cargo is correctly documented, tracked, and cleared through customs.

1

Obtain Your HBK Customer ID

A unique Customer ID is required for all clients to link shipments to your account. If you do not yet have an account, you must register first.Click here to register your free account:

Register Now (You may skip this part if you already have an account with us)

Please save your Customer ID number, as it is necessary for all future shipments.

2

Instruct Your Supplier in Korea

This is the most critical part of the process. You must provide your supplier in Korea with two pieces of information:

Your unique HBK Customer ID Number The specific link for your Korea Supplier > http://koreasupplier.hbkglobaltrading.com/

(Not accessible in Philippines as it is only accessible in Korea so no need to attempt and access it.)

That's it!

How the Process Works

1

Your supplier will use your Customer ID to access the secure online form at the link above.

2

The form will generate a unique, printable shipping label (barcode). This label contains all your details and the correct address for our receiving facility in Korea

3

Your supplier must print this label and securely attach one to every individual box.

Important Rules for Every Korea Shipment

Manufacturer / Supplier
Fulfills Your Order

Ships to our

Korea Warehouse

Receiving & consolidation

Ships to our

Philippine Warehouse

Ready for pickup / delivery

To ensure a smooth process and avoid any loss or delay, please adhere to these guidelines:

Use Barcode Labels Only

Insist that your supplier uses our official online form.
Do not allow them to write on the boxes by hand. Manually labeled boxes can be lost or misrouted in our logistics system.

Require Photo Proof

For your security, ask your supplier to send you a clear photo of your boxes with the barcode labels properly attached before they are dispatched. This is your proof of correct labeling.

Follow for All Orders

Use this exact process for every order, whether it's with a new supplier or a repeat partner.

Note: HBK Global Trading is not responsible for any loss of cargo due to unmarked or improperly labeled boxes.

What Happens Next?

Once your cargo is correctly labeled and delivered to our Korea warehouse, your job is done! We will manage the entire process, including:

See blog post related...

Courier vs Freight Forwarder: Choosing the Right Import Service

By the HBK Customs Compliance Team | Updated January 12, 2026 For any business that imports goods to the Philippines, a crucial...read more

Guide to Importing Korean Food Products to the Philippines

By the HBK Customs Compliance Team | Updated January 15, 2026 The K-Food craze has taken the Philippines by storm. Demand for...read more

Importing Korean Auto Parts: A Comprehensive Guide

By the HBK Customs Compliance Team | Updated January 15, 2026 South Korea is a global powerhouse in the automotive industry, producing...read more

Importing K-Beauty Cosmetics: A Guide to South Korea’s Boom

By the HBK Customs Compliance Team | Updated January 15, 2026 The global demand for South Korean beauty products, or K-Beauty, is...read more

Importing from South Korea: Logistics Guide with HBK

South Korea has a powerhouse economy. It is a vital source for electronics, cosmetics, and auto parts for Philippine businesses....read more

HBK Unique Import Process: Simplifying Shipping to the Philippines

For Philippine businesses that rely on international sourcing, managing the supply chain can feel complex. Most importers juggle payments, multiple...read more

Import Documentation Philippines: A Complete Shipping Guide

By the HBK Customs Compliance Team | Updated January 2026 For any business that ships from Asia to the Philippines, accurate and...read more

Ready to Ship?

Do you have questions or need a shipping quote from Korea? Our team is ready to help.

Sea Freight — Korea to Manila​