A practical, step-by-step guide for Philippine garlic importers: Manila and Cebu ports, 0% ACFTA tariff with Form E, BPI import permit, SPS clearance, shipping routes from Qingdao, documentation, and cost breakdown.
Published: August 12, 2026 | Reading time: 13 min
Quick Answer: To import garlic from China to the Philippines, you need a BPI (Bureau of Plant Industry) import permit obtained before shipment, a Phytosanitary Certificate and Form E from your Chinese supplier (for 0% ACFTA tariff), and BOC (Bureau of Customs) importer accreditation. Ocean freight from Qingdao to Manila takes 12-16 days. Under ACFTA, garlic qualifies for 0% preferential tariff with Form E. Philippine buyers prefer Normal White garlic in 5.0-5.5cm sizes, packed in 10kg or 20kg mesh bags. The standard MOQ is 1 x 40HQ Reefer Container (28MT) at -2°C to -3°C.
The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia's largest garlic importers. Despite having domestic garlic production in regions like Ilocos and Mindoro, local supply covers only a small fraction of national demand. Chinese garlic fills this gap with competitive pricing, consistent quality, and year-round availability. The ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) agreement further strengthens the trade relationship by providing 0% tariff preference for garlic imported with a valid Form E certificate of origin.
This guide is written for Philippine trading companies, wholesale distributors, and supermarket procurement teams who want to source garlic directly from China. It covers market data, the full import process, BPI permit requirements, ACFTA tariff benefits, shipping routes, documentation, and a cost breakdown comparing FOB Qingdao and CIF Manila terms.
The Philippines consumes approximately 120,000-150,000 metric tons of garlic per year. Domestic production supplies roughly 8,000-15,000 MT annually — less than 10% of total demand. This massive supply gap makes the Philippines one of the most garlic-import-dependent countries in Southeast Asia, with imports exceeding 100,000 MT per year.
China supplies the overwhelming majority of Philippine garlic imports, benefiting from the ACFTA 0% tariff preference. Other minor suppliers include India and Vietnam, but Chinese garlic dominates due to price competitiveness, scale, and the tariff advantage. Garlic is an essential ingredient in Philippine cuisine, used in adobo, sinigang, sisig, and countless other dishes, ensuring stable year-round demand.
The main garlic wholesale hubs include the Divisoria Market and Balintawak Market in Metro Manila, and the Carbon Market in Cebu. Garlic arriving at Manila North Harbor is typically trucked to these wholesale markets within hours of customs clearance. For the Visayas and Mindanao regions, Cebu Port serves as the primary distribution gateway.
China produces over 60% of the world's garlic, and Shandong Province is the heart of China's garlic export industry. The region's loamy soil, distinct four-season climate, and decades of farming expertise produce garlic with uniform bulbs, tight skin, and excellent storage characteristics — qualities that matter when shipping to the Philippines.
For Philippine importers, the advantages of sourcing from China include:
If you want to compare the two main garlic varieties available from China, see our detailed comparison at Normal White Garlic and Pure White Garlic product pages.
Importing garlic from China to the Philippines involves seven key steps. Each step has specific requirements under Philippine regulations, and skipping any can result in customs delays, fines, or cargo spoilage. Below is the complete process.
Before you can import goods into the Philippines, your company must be accredited with the Bureau of Customs (BOC). The accreditation process requires your SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registration, mayor's permit, barangay clearance, and other business documents. Once accredited, you receive a BOC Client Profile Number that allows you to file import entries. The accreditation process typically takes 2-4 weeks for first-time applicants.
Your BOC accreditation must be renewed periodically. Ensure your registration covers the correct HS code for fresh garlic (0703.20.00) before placing any order with a Chinese supplier.
The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) requires a Plant Quarantine import permit for all fresh garlic entering the Philippines. The permit, officially called a Plant Quarantine Clearance or SPS Import Permit, is obtained from BPI's Plant Quarantine Service before shipment. The application requires product details, country of origin, expected volume, port of entry, and the exporter's information.
BPI processing typically takes 3-7 business days. The permit is valid for a specific period and must be presented to the Plant Quarantine Officer upon cargo arrival. The permit may specify conditions such as fumigation requirements, post-arrival inspection, or limited entry ports. Ensure your Chinese supplier is aware of and can meet all permit conditions.
Start by identifying Chinese garlic exporters with proven experience shipping to the Philippines or other ASEAN markets. A supplier familiar with the Philippine market will know the preferred garlic specifications, packaging formats, and documentation requirements — particularly the Form E certificate of origin, which is essential for the 0% ACFTA tariff.
Request the supplier's business license, export qualifications, and references from existing clients. You can also request a third-party inspection (SGS, BV, or Intertek) before shipment to independently verify garlic quality, size, and packing. For a comprehensive supplier verification checklist, see our guide on how to choose a garlic supplier in China.
Philippine buyers predominantly prefer Normal White garlic because of its affordability and suitability for everyday cooking. The short 12-16 day transit time from Qingdao to Manila means shelf life is less of a concern compared to longer routes, making Normal White the ideal choice for this price-sensitive market.
The most popular specifications for the Philippine market are:
The Form E certificate of origin is critical for the 0% ACFTA tariff. Your Chinese supplier must apply for Form E through China Customs or an authorized chamber of commerce before the vessel departs. Ensure all details on the Form E — product description, HS code, quantity, value, and consignee — match the Commercial Invoice and Packing List exactly. Any discrepancy can result in BOC rejecting the 0% tariff claim and applying the full MFN rate.
Garlic is shipped in 40HQ reefer containers set at -2°C to -3°C with ventilation. While the 12-16 day transit to Manila is relatively short, maintaining cold chain integrity remains important to prevent premature sprouting, especially during the hot Philippine summer months. The container's ventilation setting should be set to 25-30 CBM/hour.
Major shipping lines serving the Qingdao-to-Philippines route include COSCO, SITC, Maersk, and OOCL. SITC and COSCO offer the most frequent sailings to Manila, with weekly departures and competitive rates. Your freight forwarder can help you choose the best sailing based on transit time, cost, and reliability. Book the container 1-2 weeks before the planned loading date.
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Phytosanitary Certificate from China Customs, Form E, fumigation certificate, and the BPI import permit. Ensure all documents are consistent and accurate.
Upon arrival at Manila North Harbor or Cebu Port, the shipment undergoes two parallel clearance processes: SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) clearance through BPI, and customs release through BOC.
BPI's Plant Quarantine Officer inspects the shipment to verify compliance with the import permit conditions and check for pests and diseases. The inspection includes document review and physical examination of the cargo. If the shipment passes inspection, BPI issues a SPS Clearance or Plant Quarantine Certificate, which is then submitted to BOC.
BOC processes the import entry through the E2M (Electronic to Mobile) system. With the SPS Clearance, Form E, and other documents in order, BOC assesses duties (0% with valid Form E, plus 12% VAT) and releases the cargo. The entire clearance process typically takes 2-4 business days from vessel arrival.
After customs release, the reefer container is trucked from the port to your warehouse or directly to the wholesale market. Manila North Harbor has excellent connectivity to Metro Manila's major wholesale markets — Divisoria, Balintawak, and Nepa Q-Mart — with trucking times of 1-3 hours depending on traffic. For Cebu Port, the Carbon Market is the primary distribution destination.
Once at your warehouse, garlic should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. The Philippine tropical climate (high temperature and humidity) accelerates garlic deterioration, so proper storage is critical. If you have cold storage, maintain the temperature at 0°C to 2°C and humidity at 60-65%. Without cold storage, aim for the coolest, driest area possible and distribute quickly.
The Philippines has specific import regulations designed to protect domestic agriculture and ensure food safety. The ACFTA agreement provides significant tariff advantages for importers who comply with the rules of origin.
Based on market preferences and the relatively short 12-16 day transit time, the following specifications are recommended for Philippine importers:
For detailed information on container loading and capacity, see our garlic container loading guide. For packaging options comparison, visit our packaging options guide.
Garlic from Shandong is shipped from Qingdao Port. The voyage to the Philippines passes through the East China Sea and the South China Sea, reaching the Philippines in just 12-16 days — one of the shortest shipping routes from China to any garlic importing country. Two ports serve the Philippine garlic import market:
The choice between Manila and Cebu depends on your end-market location. If you distribute primarily through Metro Manila (Divisoria, Balintawak), Manila North Harbor is the most convenient route. If you serve the Visayas or Mindanao, Cebu Port saves inland transport time and cost. Both ports have cold chain facilities, though most importers arrange direct truck pickup of their reefer containers.
Understanding the total landed cost of garlic is essential for pricing your product competitively in the Philippine market. Below is a typical cost breakdown for a 40HQ reefer container of Normal White garlic (28MT), comparing FOB Qingdao and CIF Manila terms. The 0% ACFTA tariff with Form E significantly reduces the landed cost compared to non-ACFTA destinations.
Note: Figures are indicative and for reference only. Garlic prices fluctuate seasonally. Ocean freight rates change monthly. The 0% duty applies only when a valid Form E is presented. Without Form E, the standard MFN tariff applies. Always request a current quote for accurate pricing.
The short 12-16 day transit and 0% ACFTA tariff make the Philippines one of the most cost-efficient garlic import destinations from China. The choice between FOB and CIF depends on your logistics expertise. First-time importers benefit from CIF. Experienced importers can save $100-300 per container on FOB terms. For a detailed explanation of Incoterms and price calculations, see our FOB vs CIF price calculation guide.
Yes. Under the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) agreement, garlic (HS code 0703.20.00) qualifies for 0% preferential import tariff when accompanied by a valid Form E certificate of origin. Without Form E, the standard MFN tariff applies. Importers must ensure the Chinese supplier obtains Form E before shipment and that all certificate details — product description, HS code, quantity, value — match the Commercial Invoice exactly. Any discrepancy can result in BOC rejecting the 0% tariff claim.
You need a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Phytosanitary Certificate from China Customs, Form E (for ACFTA 0% tariff), fumigation certificate, and a BPI import permit. Upon arrival, the shipment undergoes SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) clearance through BPI's Plant Quarantine Service before BOC can release the cargo. You also need an active BOC importer accreditation.
Ocean freight from Qingdao Port to Manila North Harbor takes 12-16 days — one of the shortest garlic shipping routes from China. Including 5-7 days for production, quality inspection, Form E processing, and container loading in China, plus 2-4 days for SPS and customs clearance, the total lead time from order confirmation to warehouse delivery is typically 3-4 weeks.
Philippine buyers prefer Normal White garlic in 5.0cm and 5.5cm sizes. The Philippines is a highly price-sensitive market where garlic is an essential ingredient in daily cooking. The 5.0cm size is popular in budget wholesale markets, while 5.5cm serves the standard market segment. Packaging is typically 20kg mesh bags for wholesale distribution or 10kg mesh bags for smaller distributors.
A BPI (Bureau of Plant Industry) import permit, officially called a Plant Quarantine Clearance or SPS Import Permit, is a mandatory phytosanitary authorization required for all fresh plant products entering the Philippines, including garlic. The permit is obtained from BPI's Plant Quarantine Service before shipment. The application requires product details, country of origin, expected volume, port of entry, and exporter information. Processing typically takes 3-7 business days. The permit must be presented to the Plant Quarantine Officer upon cargo arrival for SPS inspection.
Need a Philippines-specific garlic quote? ExCrop ships Normal White garlic 5.0-5.5cm to Manila and Cebu regularly, with Form E certificates for 0% ACFTA tariff. We handle phytosanitary certificates, BPI permit requirements, and reefer container setup. Contact us at contact@excrop.com or WhatsApp +86 136 5898 0612 for a current FOB or CIF Manila quote.
Get a competitive quote with Form E for 0% ACFTA tariff. ExCrop handles everything from production to documentation.
WhatsApp Us Get Price List