I want to import products from China, but I don’t have an import licence. Does that mean I have to stop?

You can still import goods from China without a licence if you avoid restricted items and work with the right logistics partner offering DDP or groupage services.

Sometimes, rules sound more complicated than they really are. Many small businesses think importing is only for large companies with paperwork and licences. I used to think that way too. But once I understood the system, I realized I could start small, use the right shipping method, and still grow fast.

Do I need an import licence¹ for all products?

I felt stuck the first time I thought about importing because I didn’t know what rules applied to me.

No, you don’t need an import licence¹ for all products. Most general consumer goods can be imported without any special permits or licences.

What types of goods need a licence?

In the Philippines, you only need an import permit if you are importing goods that are controlled or regulated. Here are some examples:

So if I am importing small machines like rice mills, sealing machines, or thermal label printers, I don’t need an import licence¹. But if I import skincare or health-related items, I should apply for FDA clearance.

How to check if my product is regulated?

I always recommend checking with a sourcing agent or the Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC). If not, your cargo might get stuck at customs or fined. But most common ecommerce products are safe to import without a permit.

What are alternative ways to import without a licence?

At first, I thought no licence meant no way. But actually, there are services designed for importers like me.

You can use DDP shipping² or shared container (LCL) services to import goods without needing your own import licence.

What is DDP and how does it help?

DDP stands for Delivered Duty Paid. This means the shipping company handles:

• Export customs from China
• Import customs in the Philippines
• All taxes and duties
• Final delivery to your doorstep

When I started, I didn’t have any import documents. But my DDP partner did everything. I just paid a door-to-door quote. No hidden fees. No paperwork stress.

Why groupage or LCL works for beginners?

LCL means “less than container load”. If I didn’t have enough goods for a full container, I could share a container with other buyers. The shipping company would still handle customs and delivery for me.

These services allowed me to test new products, import small machines, and join trade fairs without setting up a full import operation.

Can I work with a sourcing agent³ to simplify the process?

I wanted to focus on finding good products and making sales, not dealing with customs headaches.

Yes, working with a sourcing agent³ helps you avoid costly mistakes, especially when importing without a licence.

How sourcing agent³s help importers like me?

When I work with a sourcing agent³, I don’t just get help with buying. I also get:

• Supplier verification
• Quality inspection
• Product consolidation
• Proper HS code classification
• Professional DDP or LCL shipping

Many times, I saw others get fined because of wrong declaration or missing documents. With a reliable agent, my goods were packed, labeled, and declared correctly. That saved me money and avoided delays.

Having a partner who understands both China and Philippine customs systems made my importing journey smooth from day one.

What if I want to import large volume in the future?

As my business grew, I started thinking long-term. I didn’t want to always rely on third parties.

If you plan to import more than ₱20M per year, it’s better to register with the BOC and apply for a formal import licence.

%[register import licence BOC Philippines](https://sourcingph.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/51.png”Import licence for medium business")

Why formal importation helps growing businesses?

I learned that with bigger volume comes more customs inspection. If I only use others’ names or fly under the radar, I could face fines or shipment holds.

That’s why registering with the Bureau of Customs helped me:

• Have my own importer name in records
• Open a bank account for import purposes
• Issue official receipts
• Avoid suspicion during random inspections

Here’s a comparison:

Once I crossed ₱20M in import value, I started the BOC registration process. It was paperwork-heavy, but worth it. My shipments now pass customs faster. My accountant is happy because all taxes are transparent. And I can apply for loans or investors with proper records.

Conclusion

Importing without a licence is possible if you start smart, stay legal, and find the right partners.