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Philippines

Philippines

The Philippines permits used-car imports but only through authorised dealers or registered businesses — individuals cannot import directly from abroad. Vehicles must be left-hand drive and meet emission standards (PMEVS, Euro 4+). Duties are high, and sources disagree on the exact age limit, so confirm before shipping.

What are the rules for importing a car from China into Philippines?
  • Age limit: Used vehicles must generally not exceed 5 years, though sources conflict — some cite 3 years for personal imports and 7 years under certain readings. Confirm the current limit with the Bureau of Customs before shipping.
  • Import duty & taxes: Customs duty commonly 30% on CIF (some sources cite 40% for Japan-origin passenger cars), VAT 12% on CIF plus duty, and an ad valorem / excise tax of 15–100% by engine displacement, plus documentary stamp tax. EVs receive partial incentives. Only licensed importers may commercially import used vehicles under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863).
  • Authority & certification: Bureau of Customs; Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); Land Transportation Office (LTO) for registration; emission compliance with PMEVS (Euro 4+). A Prior Import Authority (PIA) / Import Licence (ILE) is required.

Import facts at a glance

Age limitUsed vehicles must generally not exceed 5 years, though sources conflict — some cite 3 years for personal imports and 7 years under certain readings. Confirm the current limit with the Bureau of Customs before shipping.
SteeringLeft-hand drive only. Right-hand-drive vehicles are prohibited for normal use (RA 8506 / RA 8406); only new RHD with a special DTI permit, or used RHD over 30 years as a collector item, are exceptions.
Import duty & taxesCustoms duty commonly 30% on CIF (some sources cite 40% for Japan-origin passenger cars), VAT 12% on CIF plus duty, and an ad valorem / excise tax of 15–100% by engine displacement, plus documentary stamp tax. EVs receive partial incentives. Only licensed importers may commercially import used vehicles under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863).
Main ports / entryManila is the main gateway; Subic Bay and Cebu also handle shipments. Container and RoRo both used.
Authority & certificationBureau of Customs; Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); Land Transportation Office (LTO) for registration; emission compliance with PMEVS (Euro 4+). A Prior Import Authority (PIA) / Import Licence (ILE) is required.
Required documentsImport permit / PIA from the Bureau of Customs or Bureau of Import Services, commercial invoice, original bill of lading, vehicle registration documents, Certificate of Emission Compliance (CEC), and proof of ownership.

Figures indicative and sources conflict on the age limit (3 vs 5 vs 7 years). The Philippines requires left-hand drive, allows only licensed importers for commercial used imports, and applies about 30% duty plus 12% VAT and an ad valorem tax. Confirm current rules with the Bureau of Customs. Sources: Bureau of Customs of the Republic of the Philippines (customs.gov.ph). Last reviewed 2026-09.

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Vehicles currently available — Philippines

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Import guides

Import process: where shipments stallChina export ports by marketImport glossary: terms that decide a shipmentZOFRI Iquique: legal route for used cars

Our experience in this region — Southeast Asia

EZ Auto is based in China (Zhengzhou, Henan) with 15–20 years in the country's car export trade. We export new and used Chinese vehicles across Southeast Asia, with sea freight from Chinese ports (Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou) to the region's main gateways — Singapore as a trans-shipment hub, Ho Chi Minh City / Cat Lai, Manila, Laem Chabang, Port Klang, Tanjung Priok and Yangon — handling China export clearance and full documentation. Where a market prohibits used imports (Thailand, Indonesia) we supply new Chinese vehicles, including EVs; where used imports are permitted we advise on each country's real framework. Local import clearance is arranged by the buyer or a licensed broker; we provide all paperwork and per-country guidance. We do not operate local offices in Southeast Asia — every car is sourced and inspected in China before shipment.

FAQ

Can EZ Auto ship cars to Southeast Asia?
Yes. We export new and used Chinese vehicles across Southeast Asia with full export documents and sea freight to the main regional ports (Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Laem Chabang, Port Klang, Tanjung Priok, Yangon). Where used imports are prohibited (Thailand, Indonesia) we supply new vehicles, including EVs. Import clearance is handled by you or a local broker; we supply all paperwork.
Which Southeast Asian markets allow used-car imports?
Vietnam (under 5 years, left-hand drive), the Philippines (about 5 years, left-hand drive, licensed importers only) and Malaysia (under 5 years, right-hand drive, with an Approved Permit) allow used imports under conditions. Thailand and Indonesia largely prohibit used-vehicle imports and are served by new vehicles. Myanmar allows used imports and from 2025 grants China-origin used cars a 0% customs-duty incentive. Rules change, so confirm the current position before you buy.
What steering side does each market require?
Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia require left-hand drive. Malaysia and Thailand require right-hand drive (they drive on the left). Myanmar also requires left-hand drive. Sourcing the correct steering from the factory is far cheaper than converting later, so we confirm the configuration before you order.
How long does shipping from China to Southeast Asia take?
Sea freight from Chinese ports to most Southeast Asian ports is short — typically about 7–14 days to Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Laem Chabang, Port Klang or Yangon, with trans-shipment via Singapore common. Transit times vary with the sailing and season, so we confirm the current schedule for your route before shipment.
Do you handle import clearance in my country?
Export clearance in China is on us. Import clearance is handled by you or your local broker; we supply all documents and advise on requirements per country, including the certification that Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines may require.

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