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.

Services we offer:

HBK Global Trading is your single partner for importing to and from the Philippines. We act as your importer of record across our specialty Asian routes and handle every step — freight, customs, supplier payments, and delivery. Here's what we offer.

Bulk Shipping & Importation

Move large volumes affordably with our sea freight service. Whether you need a full container (FCL) or shared space for a smaller load (LCL), we handle consolidation, documentation, and customs from origin to your door.

Retail Shipping and Importation

Built for resellers and SMEs importing from our specialty Asian countries. You ship to our origin warehouse and we consolidate, clear, and deliver — with no import permit required on your end.

Export/Padala Service

Sending goods out of the Philippines? Our export and padala service ships your products to Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond, handling documentation and customs so delivery stays simple and affordable.

Supplier Payment (USD and CNY/RMB Payment)

Our Pabayad service pays your overseas supplier in US dollars or Chinese yuan (RMB) on your behalf. Skip the hassle and risk of cross-border transfers and keep your orders moving.

Philippine Custom Releasing Assistance

Stuck at the port? Our in-house customs compliance team handles Bureau of Customs release, accurate HS-code classification, and the paperwork that gets your cargo cleared and on its way.

Refrigerated Container / Reefer Container shipments.

Temperature-controlled reefer shipping for frozen and perishable cargo. We keep food, beverages, and other sensitive goods within safe limits all the way from origin to the Philippines.

Our Specialty Countries
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One Partner, Door to Door

Most importers juggle a forwarder, a broker, and a money changer. With HBK, it's all under one roof — freight, customs, payments, and delivery backed by an in-house compliance team that keeps your cargo moving and your costs predictable.

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Services we offer:

Our Specialty Countries (Click country for shipping instructions)

One Partner, Door to Door

Our Specialty Countries
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