• Bill of Lading (BOL) or Air Waybill (AWB) – serves as a receipt, a contract of carriage, and a document of title, detailing the goods, origin, destination, and parties involved.
• Commercial Invoice – A detailed invoice from the supplier, showing the value, description, and quantity of the goods being imported.
• Packing List – A document that provides details of the packaging of the shipment, including weight, dimensions, and how goods are packed.

A customs broker acts as an intermediary between the importer and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), ensuring the efficient and compliant clearance of imported goods. They handle the preparation and submission of required documents, such as the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, and import declaration, and calculate the applicable customs duties, taxes, and fees. Additionally, they coordinate customs inspections, facilitate the payment of duties and taxes, and ensure that all goods meet regulatory requirements. By managing the documentation, legal compliance, and communication with customs authorities, a customs broker helps streamline the import process and ensures timely release of goods.

While you may technically be able to handle import customs clearance on your own, working with a professional customs broker like Jill L. Tolentino Customs Brokerage can save you time, effort, and potential mistakes. Our experts ensure compliance with all regulations, handle paperwork, and guide you through the clearance process, minimizing risks of delays or fines.

In the Philippines, all goods imported into the country are subject to import clearance, including but not limited to, raw materials, consumer goods, machinery, electronics, and vehicles. Additionally, certain regulated products such as food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agricultural products require additional permits or clearances from relevant government agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), or the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

The De Minimis Value refers to the threshold value below which goods imported into the Philippines are exempt from customs duties and taxes. As of now, the De Minimis Value is set at PHP 10,000. If the total value of the goods does not exceed this amount, they may be eligible for exemption from customs duties, though they still require import clearance and may be subject to other fees or regulations. This rule is designed to simplify the import process for low-value shipments, typically for personal use or small-scale commercial imports. (CAO 2-2016)

Jill L. Tolentino Customs Brokerage specializes in handling the complexities of import customs clearance. We guide you through the entire process, from documentation preparation to submission, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Our team works to ensure that your shipments clear customs efficiently, saving you time and avoiding costly delays.

Yes, with Jill L. Tolentino Customs Brokerage services, you will be kept informed throughout the customs clearance process, so you know exactly where your goods are and when they are expected to be released for delivery.

Getting started with Jill L. Tolentino Customs Brokerage is easy! Simply contact us through our website or call our office to discuss your specific import needs. Our team will provide you with personalized assistance and a step-by-step plan to ensure your shipment clears customs smoothly and quickly.

Once your shipment clears customs, it can be released for delivery to its final destination. If you’ve acquired the services of Jill L. Tolentino Customs Brokerage for clearance, we’ll assist in coordinating the delivery to ensure that your goods are safely transported to you. We can also assist with any post-clearance services you may need, such as warehousing or inventory management.

Yes, Jill L. Tolentino Customs Brokerage handles the import customs clearance process for a wide variety of goods, including but not limited to electronics, machinery, textiles, food, and medical supplies. Whatever the nature of your shipment, our team has the expertise to clear it through customs efficiently.

Under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) of the Philippines, importation is classified into four categories based on the nature of the goods:
1. Free Importation: Goods that can be freely imported without any restrictions or special requirements. These are usually items that do not pose health, safety, or environmental risks, such as general consumer goods and non-regulated products.
2. Regulated Importation: Goods that are subject to regulation for health, safety, environmental, or policy reasons. These require compliance with specific rules or regulations, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and medical devices. They may require permits from agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Department of Agriculture (DA).
3. Prohibited Importation: Goods that are not allowed to be imported into the Philippines under any circumstances. These may include illegal drugs, counterfeit goods, or items that violate local laws and international treaties.
4. Restricted Importation: Goods that can be imported but are subject to restrictions or controls. These may require special permits or clearances from government agencies, such as firearms, explosives, or chemicals.
(SECTIONS 116-119, Customs Modernization and Tariff Act)

ALL imported into the Philippines is generally subject to duties UNLESS otherwise exempted by law or treaty. (SECTIONS 104, Customs Modernization and Tariff Act)

Common reasons for delays include:
• Incomplete or incorrect documentation: Missing or inaccurate documents can cause clearance delays.
• Customs inspections: Random or targeted inspections can hold up shipments.
• Failure to pay duties and taxes: If duties or taxes are not paid promptly, the goods will not be released.
• Regulatory issues: Goods requiring permits from other government agencies (e.g., FDA, Department of Agriculture) may face delays if those permits are not in order.