How to Ship from the US to Philippines: Complete 2026 Guide

Introduction

The Philippines holds a unique place in the world of international shipping from the United States. With over 4 million Filipino Americans living in the US and maintaining deep family connections to their home country, the US-to-Philippines shipping corridor is one of the busiest personal shipping routes in the world. Filipino Americans regularly send care packages, clothing, household items, electronics, and specialty goods to loved ones back home. Beyond personal shipments, the Philippines is also a growing e-commerce market with over 73 million internet users and increasing appetite for American products.

One of the most distinctive aspects of shipping to the Philippines is the balikbayan box tradition. Balikbayan boxes are large cargo boxes (typically 24x18x24 inches or larger) that Filipino overseas workers and diaspora communities fill with goods and send home. The Philippine government grants special customs privileges to balikbayan boxes, making them a cost-effective way to send large quantities of goods. Understanding balikbayan box services alongside standard carrier options is essential for anyone shipping to the Philippines.

The Philippines' customs system has modernized in recent years with the Bureau of Customs implementing electronic processing, but challenges remain including port congestion, occasional bureaucratic delays, and varying levels of service quality across the archipelago's many islands. This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping from the US to the Philippines in 2026.

Best Carriers for Shipping to Philippines

USPS provides affordable options for standard-sized packages. Priority Mail International delivers in 6 to 10 business days, and Priority Mail Express International delivers in 3 to 5 business days. First-Class Package International Service handles items under 4 pounds with transit times of 10 to 21 days. USPS partners with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) for final delivery. PHLPost provides coverage throughout the country, but delivery to rural areas and remote islands can be slow.

UPS offers UPS Worldwide Express (2-5 business days), UPS Worldwide Expedited (3-7 business days), and UPS Worldwide Saver. UPS has a growing network in the Philippines with strong coverage in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and other major urban areas. UPS handles customs brokerage, making it a reliable option for commercial shipments.

FedEx provides FedEx International Priority (2-5 business days) and FedEx International Economy (4-8 business days). FedEx has established operations in the Philippines and provides reliable service to major cities. FedEx is popular for e-commerce and business shipments.

DHL Express delivers in 2 to 5 business days and has a comprehensive network in the Philippines. DHL is known for reliable customs clearance and strong last-mile delivery in Philippine urban areas.

Balikbayan Box Services: Several specialized companies cater to the Filipino diaspora. LBC Express, ForEx Cargo, Atlas Shippers International, Manila Forwarder, and Johnny Air Cargo are among the most popular. These services offer door-to-door delivery of large boxes at flat rates, typically ranging from $60 to $120 per box depending on size, with transit times of 6 to 12 weeks via sea freight or 2 to 4 weeks via air freight. Balikbayan boxes can be loaded with a wide variety of goods and benefit from Philippine customs exemptions.

Shipping Costs and Transit Times

Balikbayan boxes offer extraordinary value per pound for large shipments. A sea freight balikbayan box can carry over 100 pounds of goods for under $100, making the per-pound cost as low as $0.60 to $1.00.

Customs, Duties, and Import Regulations

The Philippines has a customs framework administered by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

De Minimis Threshold: The Philippines applies a de minimis threshold of PHP 10,000 (approximately $180) for imported goods. Shipments valued below this threshold are generally exempt from customs duties but may still be subject to VAT.

Value Added Tax (VAT): The Philippines charges a 12% VAT on imported goods. VAT is calculated on the landed cost (declared value + duties + freight + insurance).

Customs Duties: Duty rates vary by product category and are based on the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature. Common rates range from 0% for essential goods and certain electronics to 30% or higher for luxury items, vehicles, and certain agricultural products. Electronics generally face 0-10% duties, clothing 15-25%, and food products vary widely.

Balikbayan Box Exemption: Under Philippine law (Republic Act 6768, as amended by RA 9174), qualified Filipinos living abroad can send up to three balikbayan boxes per year with a tax and duty exemption on non-commercial goods valued up to PHP 150,000 (approximately $2,700) per box. To qualify, the sender must be a Filipino citizen or former Filipino citizen, the contents must be personal effects or household goods (not for resale), and the box must be properly declared as a balikbayan box. This exemption makes balikbayan boxes significantly more cost-effective than standard shipping for eligible senders.

Documentation: All shipments require customs declarations with detailed item descriptions, declared values, and sender and recipient information. For commercial shipments, a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or airway bill are required. The recipient's Philippine address and contact number are essential.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

The Philippines enforces the following import restrictions:

• Prohibited: Narcotics and illegal drugs (the Philippines has extremely strict drug laws), gambling devices, pornographic materials, weapons and explosives (without permits), subversive materials, and counterfeit goods.
• Restricted: Medications (require FDA Philippines approval; personal quantities with prescription may be allowed), food products (subject to Bureau of Plant Industry and Bureau of Animal Industry regulations), electronics with radio transmission capability (may require National Telecommunications Commission type approval), certain agricultural products, tobacco and alcohol (subject to excise taxes), and used clothing (allowed for personal use in balikbayan boxes but restricted for commercial import).
• Philippines-Specific: Rice imports are controlled by the National Food Authority. Certain plant and animal products require quarantine inspection. Vehicles face high duties and can only be imported if brand new (used vehicles are generally prohibited). E-cigarettes and vaping products face evolving regulations.

Packaging Tips for International Shipments

For standard packages, use sturdy boxes with ample cushioning. The tropical climate in the Philippines means high humidity, so consider moisture-protective packaging for electronics and moisture-sensitive items. Wrap items in plastic bags inside the box for additional moisture protection.

For balikbayan boxes, use the box provided by your balikbayan box service or a sturdy, large box. Line the inside with a plastic bag or moisture barrier. Pack items tightly to prevent shifting during the long sea transit (6-12 weeks). Place heavier items at the bottom and fragile items in the center surrounded by soft goods like clothing. Create a detailed inventory list of all contents, both for customs purposes and for your own records.

Philippine addresses should include the recipient's full name, house/building number and street, barangay (village or neighborhood), city or municipality, province, ZIP code (4 digits), and "PHILIPPINES" as the country. Always include the recipient's mobile number, as delivery personnel frequently call to coordinate delivery.

Tracking and Insurance Options

USPS tracking is available but may become intermittent once packages enter PHLPost's system. Express carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL) provide detailed tracking throughout the journey including customs clearance updates. For balikbayan boxes, most services provide tracking, though updates may be less frequent, especially for sea freight.

USPS includes up to $200 insurance for Priority services. Express carriers offer declared value coverage. Balikbayan box services typically include basic insurance coverage with options to purchase additional protection. For valuable items, third-party insurance is recommended, especially for balikbayan boxes given the extended transit time.

How to Save on International Shipping

Use balikbayan boxes for large personal shipments: If you qualify for the balikbayan box exemption, this is by far the most cost-effective way to send large quantities of goods to the Philippines. The customs exemption and low per-pound shipping cost are unmatched.

Use Atoship for standard packages: For smaller, time-sensitive shipments, Atoship lets you compare rates across USPS, UPS, FedEx, and other carriers, often saving 20% to 40% compared to retail pricing.

Consider a hybrid approach: Use balikbayan boxes for non-urgent bulk items (clothing, household goods, canned food) and standard carriers for time-sensitive or high-value items (electronics, documents, gifts for specific occasions).

Group shipments with family and friends: If you are sending a balikbayan box, coordinate with other family members or friends who may want to include items. Sharing the shipping cost of a balikbayan box can reduce per-person costs significantly.

Ship non-urgent items by sea: Sea freight balikbayan boxes take 6 to 12 weeks but are a fraction of the cost of air freight or express carriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a balikbayan box and who can send one? A balikbayan box is a large cargo box sent by overseas Filipinos to the Philippines. Under Philippine law, qualified Filipinos abroad can send up to three balikbayan boxes per year with customs duty and tax exemptions on personal goods valued up to PHP 150,000 per box. Filipino citizens, former Filipino citizens, and their spouses are eligible.

How long does shipping from the US to the Philippines take? Express carriers deliver in 2 to 8 business days. USPS Priority Mail International takes 6 to 10 business days. Economy services take 10 to 21 days. Balikbayan boxes via sea freight take 6 to 12 weeks, while air freight balikbayan boxes take 2 to 4 weeks. Customs processing may add additional days.

Do I have to pay customs duties on packages to the Philippines? Packages valued under PHP 10,000 (approximately $180) are generally duty-exempt but subject to 12% VAT. Above this threshold, customs duties apply based on product category. Balikbayan boxes qualifying under the exemption program are duty-free up to PHP 150,000 per box.

Can I ship food in a balikbayan box? Yes, non-perishable food items are among the most common contents of balikbayan boxes. Canned goods, chocolate, snacks, condiments, and other packaged food items are generally allowed. Fresh meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables are not permitted. Some food items may require Bureau of Plant Industry or Bureau of Animal Industry clearance.

How do I choose between a balikbayan box service and a regular carrier? Use balikbayan box services when you are sending a large volume of non-urgent goods, such as clothing, canned food, household items, and personal effects. The per-pound cost is unmatched at $0.60 to $1.00 per pound via sea freight. Use regular carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL) when you need fast delivery (under 2 weeks), are sending a small or lightweight package, or are shipping time-sensitive items like electronics or documents. Many Filipino Americans use a combination approach: balikbayan boxes for bulk quarterly shipments and express carriers for urgent items and special occasions.

What are the most commonly shipped items to the Philippines? The most popular items in balikbayan boxes include canned goods (Spam, corned beef, Vienna sausages), chocolate and candy, clothing and shoes, personal care products (shampoo, lotion, toothpaste), vitamins and supplements (though regulations apply), small electronics and accessories, toys and school supplies, and household items. For express shipments, electronics like smartphones, tablets, and laptops are common, along with branded clothing, documents, and specialty items not easily available in the Philippines.