How to ship from China to the Philippines: A step-by-step guide?
Struggling with delays, hidden fees, and unreliable shipping partners?
Shipping from China to the Philippines is easier than you think. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to avoid mistakes and save time.
If you’re trying to grow your business by sourcing from China, understanding the shipping process is a must. Whether you’re importing machines, packaging, or raw materials, this guide walks you through every step.
What are the main shipping methods from China to the Philippines?
Lost between sea freight, air freight, and DDP?
There are three main shipping methods: sea freight for large volume, air freight for speed, and DDP for full convenience.
Understand the Differences
| Shipping Method | Speed | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | 10-20 days | Low | Bulk cargo, heavy machines |
| Air Freight | 3-7 days | High | Urgent and light shipments |
| DDP Shipping | 12-18 days | Medium | Hassle-free, all-in-one |
Sea freight is great if you’re shipping in bulk and can wait longer. It’s cheaper, but involves more steps like customs clearance. Air freight is fast but costly. DDP shipping (Delivered Duty Paid) is the most convenient. Your shipping partner handles everything—from pickup in China to delivery in the Philippines, including taxes and customs.
I always suggest new importers start with DDP. You’ll learn the process without drowning in paperwork.
How do you choose the right shipping partner?
Bad partner = delayed delivery, broken goods, and surprise costs.
Pick a reliable partner with local presence in the Philippines, and experience in DDP shipping and customs clearance.
What to Look For
I used to work with random forwarders I found online. Some were okay, some made me lose money. After a few bad deals, I only trust partners who:
- Have a physical team in the Philippines
- Offer door-to-door (DDP) shipping
- Are transparent with costs
- Know how to handle small machines and ecommerce goods
Ask for photos of their warehouse, vehicle fleet, or customs clearance team. If they can’t show it, they probably don’t have it.
Here’s a checklist to use:
| Criteria | Must-Have | Nice to Have |
|---|---|---|
| Local team in PH | ✅ | |
| DDP option | ✅ | |
| Clear quotation with no upsells | ✅ | |
| China-side consolidation | ✅ | |
| Help with labeling/packaging | ✅ |
Working with sourcingph helped me avoid the common traps, especially hidden customs fees and unreliable brokers.
What documents do you need to ship?
No paperwork = no customs clearance = stuck goods.
You need basic commercial documents: invoice, packing list, and for DDP shipments, your partner usually handles the rest.
Must-Know Documents
When I first started importing, I didn’t know documents mattered. My shipment was delayed in customs for a week. Lesson learned. Now I make sure to prepare:
- Commercial Invoice – includes value, description, HS code
- Packing List – shows what’s in each box
- Importer’s ID or TIN (if required) – sometimes needed for large shipments
- Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Airway Bill
If you’re using DDP shipping, your partner will manage these. But it’s good to know what’s involved so you can double-check.
Also, don’t undervalue your goods to save on taxes. Customs in the Philippines are trained to catch this. Penalties are worse than paying the right tax.
How much does it cost to ship from China to the Philippines?
Confused by quotes that vary wildly?
Shipping cost depends on volume, weight, method, and whether you choose DDP. DDP saves time and reduces risk.
What Affects the Price?
There is no one-size-fits-all price. Here’s what affects it:
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Shipping method | Air > DDP > Sea |
| Volume/weight | Bigger = more cost |
| Origin city in China | Inland = more trucking |
| Delivery address | Remote = higher fee |
| Customs duties | Varies by product type |
For example, I once shipped a heat press machine. Sea freight was cheaper, but would take 3 weeks. Air freight was too expensive. So I chose DDP—no stress, arrived in 15 days, and they delivered to my warehouse in Quezon City.
Here’s a rough example from my past shipments:
| Product | Shipping Method | Volume (CBM) | Cost (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 rice mill machines | DDP (Sea) | 3.5 CBM | $520 | 14 days |
| 2000 face rollers | DDP (Air) | 0.8 CBM | $480 | 6 days |
| 1 CNC engraving tool | DDP (Sea) | 1.2 CBM | $330 | 12 days |
Always ask for a quote with detailed breakdown. Ask if the cost includes tax, customs, pickup, and delivery. If it’s too cheap, it’s probably a trap.
What’s the full step-by-step process?
Still not clear what happens from supplier to doorstep?
Here’s a clear 8-step shipping workflow from China to your warehouse in the Philippines.
8 Steps to Follow
-
Find a Supplier
Use Alibaba, 1688, or direct factory connections. -
Negotiate Product + Packaging
Confirm dimensions, weight, and labeling. -
Choose Shipping Method
DDP is best for beginners. -
Prepare Documents
Ask your supplier or freight partner to help. -
Book Shipping
Provide warehouse or delivery address. -
Pay for Goods + Shipping
Always use a traceable payment method. -
Wait for Shipping + Customs Clearance
Partner updates you via WhatsApp or email. -
Receive Goods in PH
Check items on arrival, then store or sell.
For most of my shipments, steps 4-7 are fully managed by my DDP partner. They send me a tracking link or just update me every few days. It’s super hands-off, which frees me to focus on marketing and sales.
Conclusion
Shipping from China to the Philippines doesn’t have to be confusing. Choose the right method, find a good partner, and follow the steps.
