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 — China to Manila

China to Manila Shipping Instructions & Warehouse Guide

China to Manila shipping is the backbone of Philippine retail and manufacturing but getting goods out of China cleanly is where most importers lose time, money, and cargo. HBK Global Trading handles the heavy lifting. Sea or air freight, consolidation at our China warehouses, customs clearance, door-to-door delivery we own every step. Our compliance team audits your documents against Electronic Vessel Registration and Information System (EVRIS) benchmarks before the vessel sails, so a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) stays off the table.

You source the goods. We get them home.

Get A Free China Shipping Quote See Our Process

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Shipping from China to Manila

Welcome! This guide will walk you through our simple process for shipping your goods from China to the Philippines. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your cargo is labeled correctly and tracked efficiently from start to finish.

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 China

This is the most critical part of the process. You must provide your supplier in China with two pieces of information:Your unique HBK Customer ID NumberThe specific link for your China Supplier > http://supplier.hbkglobaltrading.com/
(Not accessible in Philippines as it is only accessible in China 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 freight receiving facility in China

3

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

Crucial Reminders for Every Shipment

Manufacturer / Supplier
Fulfills Your Order

Ships to our

China Warehouse

Receiving & consolidation

Ships to our

Philippine Warehouse

Ready for pickup / delivery

To avoid delays or lost packages, please follow these rules:

Always Use the Form: Insist that your supplier uses our online form to generate the official barcode. Do not allow them to write on the boxes by hand. Manually labeled boxes can get lost in our system.

Request a Photo: For your security, ask your supplier to send you a photo of your boxes with the printed labels clearly attached before they are sent to our warehouse. This photo is your proof of proper labeling.

One Process for All Orders: Use this exact same process for both new suppliers and repeat orders to ensure consistency and security.

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

What Happens Next?

That's it! Once your supplier has attached the barcode labels and sent the cargo to our warehouse, we handle the rest—from export out of China, to sea or air freight, to customs clearance and final delivery in the Philippines.

We Also Ship From These Other Countries…

By Sea

By Air

Export

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Ready to Ship?

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

Sea Freight — China to Manila​