The Philippines permits used-car imports but only through authorised dealers or registered businesses — individuals cannot import directly from abroad. Vehicles must be left-hand drive and meet emission standards (PMEVS, Euro 4+). Duties are high, and sources disagree on the exact age limit, so confirm before shipping.
| Age limit | Used vehicles must generally not exceed 5 years, though sources conflict — some cite 3 years for personal imports and 7 years under certain readings. Confirm the current limit with the Bureau of Customs before shipping. |
|---|---|
| Steering | Left-hand drive only. Right-hand-drive vehicles are prohibited for normal use (RA 8506 / RA 8406); only new RHD with a special DTI permit, or used RHD over 30 years as a collector item, are exceptions. |
| Import duty & taxes | Customs duty commonly 30% on CIF (some sources cite 40% for Japan-origin passenger cars), VAT 12% on CIF plus duty, and an ad valorem / excise tax of 15–100% by engine displacement, plus documentary stamp tax. EVs receive partial incentives. Only licensed importers may commercially import used vehicles under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863). |
| Main ports / entry | Manila is the main gateway; Subic Bay and Cebu also handle shipments. Container and RoRo both used. |
| Authority & certification | Bureau of Customs; Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); Land Transportation Office (LTO) for registration; emission compliance with PMEVS (Euro 4+). A Prior Import Authority (PIA) / Import Licence (ILE) is required. |
| Required documents | Import permit / PIA from the Bureau of Customs or Bureau of Import Services, commercial invoice, original bill of lading, vehicle registration documents, Certificate of Emission Compliance (CEC), and proof of ownership. |
Figures indicative and sources conflict on the age limit (3 vs 5 vs 7 years). The Philippines requires left-hand drive, allows only licensed importers for commercial used imports, and applies about 30% duty plus 12% VAT and an ad valorem tax. Confirm current rules with the Bureau of Customs. Sources: Bureau of Customs (customs.gov.ph); Bureau of Internal Revenue (bir.gov.ph); Department of Trade and Industry (dti.gov.ph). Last reviewed 2026-10.
65-country import policy quick reference →
EZ Auto is based in China (Zhengzhou, Henan) with 15–20 years in the country's car export trade. We export new and used Chinese vehicles across Southeast Asia, with sea freight from Chinese ports (Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou) to the region's main gateways — Singapore as a trans-shipment hub, Ho Chi Minh City / Cat Lai, Manila, Laem Chabang, Port Klang, Tanjung Priok and Yangon — handling China export clearance and full documentation. Where a market prohibits used imports (Thailand, Indonesia) we supply new Chinese vehicles, including EVs; where used imports are permitted we advise on each country's real framework. Local import clearance is arranged by the buyer or a licensed broker; we provide all paperwork and per-country guidance. We do not operate local offices in Southeast Asia — every car is sourced and inspected in China before shipment.
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