Import Cars from China to the Philippines
The Philippines already has real, established official dealer networks for Chery, MG, Geely, and BYD — Chinese brands are a genuinely mature, accepted part of the Philippine market, not a new arrival. Importing directly from China's domestic market offers a further price advantage, with freight from $1,485 USD and 10–18 days transit to Manila, Cebu, or Davao.
At DriveSino, we handle the entire export process from China to the Philippines — vehicle sourcing, multi-point inspection, export documentation, and shipping.
Why Import from China to Philippines?
- Price advantage: direct import from China's domestic market offers a further price advantage even against the Philippines' well-established official Chinese-brand dealer networks
- Wide model range: access to models and trims not currently distributed officially in the Philippines
- Left-hand drive standard: the Philippines drives on the right, matching the LHD configuration Chinese manufacturers produce as standard
- Fast regional shipping: 10–18 days transit, among the faster routes DriveSino offers
Shipping from China to Philippines
3 ports serving Philippines
Freight from $1,485 USD
DriveSino ships vehicles from major Chinese export ports to the Philippines' main ports:
| Port | Freight (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Manila | $1,485 | 10–16 days |
| Cebu | $1,568 | 11–17 days |
| Davao | $1,617 | 12–18 days |
* Rates are estimates and vary by season and cargo type.
Import Duties & Taxes for Philippines
The Philippines applies import duty on passenger vehicles from non-ASEAN countries (China doesn't benefit from ASEAN-preferential rates), plus an ad valorem excise tax that scales with vehicle price, plus 12% VAT. Philippine customs (Bureau of Customs) handles valuation and clearance at Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
Estimate Your Total Landed Cost
Based on a $15,000 vehicle — browse our inventory for exact pricing on a specific car.
Import duty and VAT for this destination aren't included in this estimate yet — contact us for an exact landed-cost quote.
Estimate only. Import duties and customs costs vary by destination country. Contact us for a precise quote for your specific destination.
Required Documents & Compliance
Provided by DriveSino (Export Side)
DriveSino provides all export-side documentation for shipping from China to the Philippines:
- Certificate of Origin — Proves vehicle was manufactured in China
- Bill of Lading — Shipping document from the carrier
- Commercial Invoice — Transaction value and vehicle details
- Export Customs Declaration — Filed with Chinese customs
- Vehicle Title/Certificate — Proof of ownership
Import-side requirements include a Bureau of Customs declaration, duty/excise/VAT payment, and LTO (Land Transportation Office) registration. DriveSino can connect you with customs agents experienced with vehicle imports.
Import-Side Requirements
Import requirements vary by country. DriveSino advises on Philippines-specific regulations and can connect you with trusted customs agents at the destination port.
Ask about PhilippinesUnderstanding export documentation is key to a smooth import. Visit our Knowledge Hub for detailed explanations:
How to Import a Car from China to Philippines
- Browse inventory: explore our selection of export-ready vehicles from China
- Request a quote: contact us via WhatsApp or email with your preferred vehicle
- Confirm and pay: a sales contract is issued. Payment by international bank transfer
- Export documentation: we prepare all Chinese export documents
- Shipping: your vehicle ships to Manila, Cebu, or Davao via RoRo or container
- Customs clearance: we support your customs clearance with full documentation
Tips for Importing to Philippines
- Confirm current Philippine duty and excise tax bracket with DriveSino before ordering — the excise rate depends on vehicle price
- Factor in total landed cost: vehicle price + shipping + insurance + duty + excise + VAT + LTO registration
- Use the DriveSino cost calculator on each listing for an instant estimate
Importing Cars from China to Philippines — FAQ
How long does it take to ship a car from China to the Philippines?
Sea transit from China to the Philippines takes 10–18 days depending on port (Manila, Cebu, or Davao).
Can I import Chinese cars to the Philippines even though Chery, MG and BYD already sell there officially?
Yes. Direct import from China's domestic market is a separate channel from the Philippines' official dealer networks, and can offer a further price advantage plus access to models and trims not yet distributed locally.
How much does it cost to import a car from China to the Philippines?
Total cost includes: vehicle price (FOB China), shipping freight from $1,485 USD, Philippine import duty, ad valorem excise tax (scales with price), and 12% VAT. Confirm current rates with DriveSino for an accurate estimate.
Does the Philippines use right-hand drive cars?
No, the Philippines drives on the right, so left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles from China are required.
How do I pay for a car imported from China to the Philippines?
DriveSino accepts payment via international bank transfer (T/T). A formal sales contract is provided before any payment.
Knowledge Hub
Detailed answers to common questions about importing cars from China
Ready to Import a Car to Philippines?
Contact us for a personalized quote. We handle vehicle sourcing, export documentation, shipping, and delivery.