importation of Motor vehicles to the philippines

Yes, provided that the motor vehicle is brand-new. Under Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circular 92, Series of 1995, dated October 19, 1995, the importation of a brand new motor vehicle of all types, including motorcycles has been liberalized and would no longer thus require prior authority to import.

Under the guidelines presently awaiting approved by the office of the President, a motor vehicle is brand new if and only if the following criteria are satisfied:

  1. That the motor vehicle is of current or advance year model;
  2. It has never been registered or used; and
  3. It is covered by a certificate of first ownership.

They shall be processed as in used motor vehicle.

Appendix 1-D of BSP Circular-Letter, Series 1995, dated October 19, 1995, the importation of used motor vehicles continue to be regulated and would therefore require prior authority from the Bureau of Import Services (BIS), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Under Executive Order No. 248 as Implemented by BIS, in relation to BSP Circular-Letter, Series of 1995, dated October 19, 1995, the following individuals may be allowed to bring in used motor vehicles:

  1. A returning Filipino or a former Filipino citizen who has stayed abroad for more than a year;
  2. An immigrant to the Philippines (shall be at least a holder of a 13G Visa duly issued by the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation).

Other provisions stipulate that:

  1. Only one (1) unit motor vehicle per family is allowed to be brought in. (A motorcycle is considered a motor vehicle for this purpose).
  2. The vehicle is registered in his name for at least six (6) months prior to shipment to the Philippines;
  3. Proof can be presented that the vehicle was acquired out of the earnings abroad.

Yes, personal presence by the car owner of the used motor vehicle is required.

Yes, whether brand-new or not, the motor vehicle should be left-hand drive.

Yes. Whether brand-new or used, purchased or donated, the imported vehicle is subject to 40% Customs duty, 10% VAT and Ad Valorem Tax from 15% to 100% depending on its piston displacement. Its book value serves as the tax and not the purchase price nor the acquisition cost. The book value is sourced from universally accepted motor vehicle reference books such as the Red Book, Blue Book, World Book depending on the origin of the imported vehicle.

Yes. These are taxed separately.

By writing and providing information about the vehicle as to the make, brand, year model, piston displacement, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number or sending a copy of the registration to:

Valuation Center and Library
Bureau of Customs
South Harbor, Manila

or

One Stop Processing Center for Motor Vehicle
Manila International Container Port
North Harbor, Manila

Yes. There are other non-customs charges that may be due on the shipment such as: storage and arrastre fees which may be collected by the privately-owned arrastre operator; demurrage by the shipping line and wharf-age dues by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

It is very important if the vehicle would not qualify as brand-new as herein defined. A used motor vehicle not covered by PIA shall be seized and may only be released upon payment of the heavy penalties on top of the taxes and duties due thereon.

By submitting to BIS a duly accomplished application form which may be obtained from it and the following documents duly authenticated by the nearest Philippine Consulate abroad where the car owner resides;

  1. Proof of his continuous stay abroad for at least one (1) year;
  2. Copy of the registration papers showing that the vehicles are registered in his name for at least six (6) months;
  3. Proof that the car was acquired out of the earnings abroad.

Bureau of Import Service
3rd Floor, Welding Industries of the Philippines Bldg.
349 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue
Makati City, Metro Manila
Tel. No. 895-7466

Yes, if the imported motor vehicle is an older model or an earlier than the current year model. The depreciation schedule is 10% per year counted downwards from the current year which has a depreciation rate of zero percent (0%). Motor vehicles with a piston displacement of 2000 cc and above may be given a maximum depreciation of 50%, while those below 2000 cc, up to the maximum of 70%.

Under Joint Order 1-91, individual owned motor vehicle is not subject to pre-shipment inspection by SGS. The importation thereof need not be covered by a Clean Report of Findings (CRF) issued by SGS. Non individually- owned vehicle or those imported for commercial purpose should therefore undergo PSI and their importation should be covered by CRF.

Given a complete documentation, clearance for the release of the imported vehicle in the One Stop Shop Processing Center (OSPC) takes place within forty-eight (48) hours from the filing of Customs entry.

Yes, subject to the payment of taxes and duties.