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 — Vietnam to Manila

Vietnam shipping to Philippines as easy as 1, 2, 3…

Vietnam shipping to the Philippines moves some of the most in-demand cargo in the ASEAN trade lane Robusta coffee, rice, textiles, furniture, and manufactured goods that Philippine businesses depend on. The route from Haiphong to Manila is active and well-travelled, but that doesn't make it risk-free. Valuation disputes at Manila North Harbor are a real threat for importers who ship without airtight ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) compliance documentation, and local port congestion can turn a simple hold into a costly storage bill fast.

HBK Global Trading removes that risk before your cargo ever leaves Vietnam. Our team audits your packing lists against current BOC valuation standards ahead of sailing keeping your LCL consolidation moving cleanly through the port and protecting your margins from the reassessment fees that catch unprepared importers off guard.

You ship from Vietnam. We make sure it clears Manila without the drama.

Get A Free Vietnam Shipping Quote See Our Process

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Shipping from Vietnam

This guide provides the official instructions for using our shipping service from Vietnam 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 Vietnam

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

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

(Not accessible in Philippines as it is only accessible in Vietnam 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 Vietnam

3

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

Important Rules for Every Vietnam Shipment

Manufacturer / Supplier
Fulfills Your Order

Ships to our

Vietnam 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 Vietnam warehouse, your job is done! We will manage the entire process, including:

Why Choose HBK for Your 2026 Vietnam Imports?

As Vietnam cements its position as the world's third-largest apparel and footwear exporter, HBK Global Trading provides the direct infrastructure needed to scale your imports. We offer specialized China-Plus-One logistics, bridging the gap between Vietnamese manufacturing hubs and the Philippine market.

Beyond the standard shipping process, we specialize in the specific nuances of the Vietnamese market to give your business a competitive edge:

Niche Expertise (Footwear, Coffee, & Textiles): We provide specialized handling for high-volume shoe inventory and moisture-managed containers for premium coffee beans and textiles.
0% Tariff Optimization (ATIGA): Our in-house brokers are experts in the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement. We ensure your Certificate of Origin is correct so you can legally claim 0% preferential tariff rates.
Multi-Port Logistics: Whether your supplier is in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Hai Phong, our consolidation hubs are strategically located to minimize your local transport costs.
Expert Support: We turn the complexities of Vietnam-to-Manila shipping into a streamlined growth engine for your business.

See blog post related...

A Guide to Importing Footwear from Vietnam

By the HBK Customs Compliance Team | Updated January 08, 2026 Vietnam has become a global leader in footwear manufacturing. It has...read more

A Guide to Importing Vietnamese Coffee Beans to the Philippines

By the HBK Customs Compliance Team | Updated January 08, 2026 Coffee is a way of life in the Philippines. With the...read more

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

Importing Vietnam Textiles to the Philippines

By the HBK Customs Compliance Team | Updated January 15, 2026 Vietnam has established itself as a global leader in textile and...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

Sea Freight Vietnam to Philippines: Your Guide to Solutions

Vietnam is a critical sourcing market for Philippine importers. It offers everything from textiles to coffee. For bulk inventory and...read more

Ready to Ship?

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

Sea Freight — Vietnam to Manila​