Shipping to the Philippines from Japan: A Guide to Customs Fees

Shopping online from Japan and shipping to the Philippines is becoming more popular. But one thing that often worries Filipino shoppers is customs fees.

Alam naman natin na dapat within the budget ang ating pag-ship ng mga pasalubong from Japan all the way to the Philippines. 

With that said, we’ll unpack key information on Philippines customs fees for a more seamless online shopping experience with ZenMarket.

How do Customs Fees Work in the Philippines? 

Simply defined, custom fees are government charges you’ll need to pay to bring items into the country. If you fail to pay the customs fees, you won’t get clearance for your purchased items from Japan. 

Customs Building, Manila. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Customs fees in the Philippines typically include:

• Customs Duty Fees
  These are mandatory taxes based on the declared value of the goods which includes shipping fees, insurance, and the rate of duty.
• De minimis value
  Playing a key consideration for the customs duty fees is the de minimis value. It’s a threshold value which serves as a basis for exempting your goods from further customs duty fees. In the Philippines, this amount is PHP 10,000.00.
• Value-Added Tax (VAT) 
  VAT refers to the standard rate on the total value of goods. The Philippine government has set this rate is at 12%.
  
• Customs Documentary Stamp The Philippines’ Bureau of Customs also charges a small fee for paperwork.

What are some tips to minimize customs fees?

So, paano ka nga ba makakatipid sa customs fees?  Here are some proven and tested ideas to minimize customs fees:

• Check the de minimis value of your order If your order is below PHP 10,000.00, you might not pay any customs duty fees. Also, consider grouping your smaller items into one shipment and make sure it won’t go beyond the de minimis value.

• Choose a faster shipping method  This can help reduce storage and other handling fees which are often counted along with the total value of your goods.

• Be aware of the weight and size of your package Larger and heavier packages might incur higher fees. We highly suggest that you use the ZenMarket Shipping Calculator. This tool will give you a rough estimate of your fees for shipping your parcel.

ZenMarket’s Shipping Calculator showing pertinent shipping details. Screenshot courtesy of ZenMarket.

• Use ECMS and let the shipping courier handle your customs fees ECMS Express is one of the many shipping options you can consider to help you minimize your customs fees. What stands out with ECMS is that when you ship to the Philippines from Japan, local customs and consumption tax will be included in the shipping fee. It’s less hassle and definitely a more convenient option.

• Consult the Philippines Bureau of CustomsThe Bureau of Customs can provide the most accurate information concerning customs fees. 

Officers of the Bureau of Customs on duty. Photo courtesy of Philippine Information Agency.

You can reach them through their official website , email address , and even social media accounts .

Remember:  While these tips can help, it's always a good idea to check with the Philippines Bureau of Customs for the latest information.

Also Read: The 6 Top Tricks to Save On International Shipping From Japan

How much should I pay for customs fees?

By now, you might be asking, “Magkano ba talaga ang babayaran ko para sa customs fees?” The quick answer is “Depende ‘yan mostly sa mga choices and diskarte mo when shipping and how much the Bureau of Customs will charge.” You’ll also have to consider shipping methods, insurance, and brokerage fees. At the end of the day, it’s the Bureau of Customs that will have the final say.

Nonetheless, you can estimate the amount you’ll have to pay. All you have to do is use the Philippines Bureau of Customs Tax Calculator. You will see in the screenshot below how we computed the customs fees you will pay for shipping to the Philippines for an item worth ¥10,000.00.

A screenshot of the total customs fees using the tax calculator. Screenshot courtesy of the Philippines’ Bureau of Customs.

Please note that these are just estimated costs. ZenMarket highly encourages you to connect with the Philippines Bureau of Customs or your shipping courier. Furthermore, we’ve prepared two examples to illustrate a more detailed breakdown on how you can estimate your customs fees.

Case Study 1: Over the De Minimis Value

Imagine ordering this unique gaming console on ZenPlus. 

The item is priced at ¥ 88,424.00. Its weight is 4320g. Finally, it comes with a shipping fee of ¥16,675 for this standard parcel through ECMS Express.

PlayStation4 Dragon Quest Metal Slime Edition for Sale on ZenPlus. Photo Courtesy of ZenMarket

The item’s price already suggests that this parcel will go beyond the de minimis value. 

Thus, an import rate of duty may be applicable. 

For this example, let’s estimate the rate of duty to be at 10% and the exchange rate of Japanese Yen and Philippine Peso at ¥1.00=₱0.38

Then, let’s use the Philippines Bureau of Customs’ tax calculator to estimate the total landed cost.

Here’s a rough breakdown of what you’ll pay in customs fees:

Customs Fees Breakdown (Step-by-Step)

Note: These figures are estimates for an example item. The import rate of duty may be higher or lower depending on the tariffs set by the Philippine government.

Case Study 2: Below the De Minimis Value

Let’s say you’re buying this Pokemon T-Shirt worth ¥3,190.00.  

Pocket Monsters Pikachu Black T-shirt 3L size Apparel Pokemon. Photo courtesy of ZenMarket

Upon computing, this parcel falls under the de minimis threshold. So, you won’t have to pay for its import rate of duty. You’ll only pay for shipping and VAT.

Assuming that you’ve computed for the pertinent costs, your total customs fees may look something like this:

Summary of Japanese Streetwear’s Customs Fees

What Else Should I Know About When Shipping to the Philippines?

ZenMarket provides plenty of information when it comes to online shopping from Japan. Here are our recommended guides for you:

• How to Buy from Japan
• How to Buy from Recommended Stores
• 5 Handy Tools to Find Japanese Products
• ZenMarket’s FAQ on Customs Fees and Duties

With more Filipinos shopping online for Japanese souvenirs, you may also explore how to get your own balikbayan box with the help of ZenMarket. This would be a great way to help you prepare which items you can include in your ZenMarket parcel. 

Customs fees may appear overwhelming at first. It’s even more challenging because policies on importation and customs fees may change.

But with the right resources and information, you can always prepare the right budget for these costs.

That is why we highly recommend that you also check official information from the Philippines Bureau of Customs .

Conclusion

If you’re looking to score some Japanese gifts for your friends and family, ZenMarket is your go-to partner for online shopping in Japan.

A key part of the online shopping experience is paying the customs fees . Navigating customs fees when shipping from Japan to the Philippines doesn’t have to be a headache, especially when using ZenMarket.

With proper planning, you can avoid unexpected charges and enjoy your purchases without any hassle.

Remember to estimate your costs using the right tools. Always declare the goods’ values accurately. Lastly, choose the best shipping option for your needs and budget.

All these and more will help you prepare for paying customs fees when shipping from Japan to the Philippines.

FAQs

1. What are Customs Fees in the Philippines? Customs Fees are mandatory charges you have to pay when importing products.
2. How can I estimate my total customs fees? Use the online calculator of the Philippines Bureau of Customs; consult ZenMarket's customer service for estimates.
3. What happens if I refuse to pay the customs fees? Your package may be held at the Philippines’ Bureau of Customs facilities.
4. Can I dispute customs charges in the Philippines? Yes, but disputes can take time and may not always be successful.
5. Where can I learn more about the Philippines Customs Fees? Please visit the Philippines Bureau of Customs’ official website .