Car Shipping to the Philippines
2026 Guide
Car shipping to the Philippines is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re relocating to the Philippines as a returning resident, retiree, or special visa holder, or importing a classic car under vintage rules, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Filipino regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to the Philippines
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to the Philippines– Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to the Philippines — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to the Philippines– Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: 12%
Cost: $1,450–$6,500+ (ocean), $15,000+ (air)
Main ports: Manila, Cebu, Batangas, Subic
Customs duty: 40%
Required inspection: Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standards (CCES) and Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR); registration with the Land Transportation Office (LTO)
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to the Philippines
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in the Philippines
Our local broker handles all Filipino customs paperwork, customs duty, VAT, and Ad Valorem Tax (owner’s physical presence is required for customs clearance).
Delivered & Registered in the Philippines
Your vehicle passes the required emissions and motor vehicle inspections before registration with the LTO and release.
Philippines Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to the Philippines starts around USD $1,450, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. Manila is the principal Filipino port of entry, with additional service available to Cebu, Batangas, Subic and a network of regional ports across the archipelago. The estimated transit time is 4–6 weeks, but this can vary depending on routing and method.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US West Coast → Manila | $1,450 | $2,800 | $3,800 | Contact for Pricing |
US East Coast → Manila | $2,200 | $3,700 | $5,000 | Contact for Pricing |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Filipino Destination Ports
LogisticsWe can ship your vehicle to any of the Philippines’ main commercial ports, with onward inland delivery available across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Ports Served in the Philippines
Manila
Cebu
Batangas
Subic
Cagayan de Oro
Davao
Iloilo
Zamboanga
General Santos
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Filipino government. Some of these fees could include:
The Philippines Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty (40%)
VAT (12%)
Ad Valorem Tax (15%–100% depending on piston displacement)
Certificate of Authority to Import (CAI) fees
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
CCES emissions inspection and MVIR inspection fees
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Compulsory third-party liability insurance
LTO registration fee, including inspection, plates and stickers
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. When importing into the Philippines, you can generally expect to pay a 40% customs duty, 12% VAT, and an Ad Valorem Tax of 15%–100% depending on the vehicle’s piston displacement. These are calculated using the CIF value (vehicle cost, shipping, and insurance). Note that the current book value of the vehicle (from references such as the Blue Book, Red Book, or World Book) is used as the baseline for duties and taxes, not the purchase price.
Filipino Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 12% VAT plus a 40% customs duty, and an Ad Valorem — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
No Dollar Importation (NDI) Program | Used vehicle imports are generally prohibited in the Philippines. The principal route for personal imports is the No Dollar Importation (NDI) program, which is open to:
Under NDI, each family (defined as husband, wife and unemancipated minor children) can import one personally owned vehicle. |
Diplomatic and Returning Foreign Service Exemptions | Filipino diplomats, recalled personnel from the Department of Foreign Affairs, returning Filipino nationals, and Special Immigrant Visa holders are entitled to an exemption from tax and duty when importing their motor vehicles into the Philippines. Approval must be obtained from the Bureau of Import Services (BIS) prior to shipping. |
Electric Vehicles | Import tariffs on EVs have been reduced to zero through 2028 to encourage EV adoption in the Philippines, making electric cars a tax-efficient option for buyers shipping a vehicle into the country. |
Classic / Vintage Vehicles | Cars over 40 years old may qualify as vintage vehicles and be imported under special conditions. Eligibility should be confirmed with the Bureau of Import Services and the Land Transportation Office before shipping. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in the Philippines.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to the Philippines, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to the Philippines.
- Used vehicle imports are generally prohibited; you’ll typically need to qualify under the NDI program or one of the diplomatic / returning-resident exemptions.
- NDI-eligible vehicles must be under 10 years old, left-hand drive, weigh less than 3,000 kg, and have a Certificate of Roadworthiness and Emission Compliance (CEC).
- Right-hand-drive vehicles are strictly prohibited.
- Used vehicles must have been owned by the applicant for at least 6 months before applying for a Certificate of Authority to Import (CAI).
- Vehicles imported under NDI cannot be resold within the first 3 years from the date of import.
- Cars over 40 years old may qualify as vintage vehicles, subject to special conditions.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to the Philippines:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or Filipino authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in the Philippines, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs declaration to the Bureau of Customs (personal presence of the car owner is required for customs clearance)
Original Car Title Certificate
Sales Contract / Bill of Sale or valid proof of purchase
Registration certificate or equivalent
Completed NDI application form
CAI from BIS
Copy of Passport
Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standards (CCES)
PNP-TMG Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate
Vehicle Registration in the Philippines (Land Transportation Office)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to the Philippines must be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) before they can be legally driven on public roads. The standard sequence is: clear customs with personal owner presence and pay customs duty, VAT and Ad Valorem Tax → receive the customs declaration → complete the CCES emissions test and Motor Vehicle Inspection Report → obtain the PNP-TMG MV Clearance Certificate → arrange Filipino insurance → register the vehicle at your local LTO office.
You’ll pay an initial registration fee plus additional fees for inspections, license plates, and stickers. Failing to complete registration on time can result in a late penalty.
Any supporting documents in a foreign language must be translated into Filipino by an official translator, or by a competent diplomatic or consular representative.
If your vehicle requires modifications to meet Filipino standards, such as emissions compliance, these will need to be handled before the CCES test. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic where needed.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in the Philippines, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
Start the Process of Shipping Your
Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
Philippines Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to The Philippines.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in The Philippines?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
Can I ship a right-hand-drive vehicle to the Philippines?
No. Right-hand-drive vehicles are strictly prohibited by Filipino law. US-spec LHD vehicles are well-suited to the Filipino market.
What is the No Dollar Importation (NDI) program?
NDI is the principal route for individuals to import a personal vehicle into the Philippines, given that used vehicle imports are otherwise generally prohibited. Eligible applicants include returning Filipinos, dual citizens, SRRV holders, and certain other visa holders. Each eligible family can import one personally owned vehicle.
Why must I be physically present for customs clearance?
Filipino customs requires the personal presence of the car owner during the clearance process for imported vehicles. Plan to be in the Philippines when your shipment arrives, or work with a Bureau-recognized broker who can advise on the procedure.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.