Export to Philippines

The Philippines is a large, English-speaking market. It buys Indian medicines, two-wheelers and vehicles, rice, buffalo meat, iron and steel and machinery. Food, medicines and cosmetics must be registered with the Philippine FDA, and farm products need import clearances from the Department of Agriculture’s bureaus.

What it buys from India

• Medicines and pharmaceutical products
• Two-wheelers, vehicles and auto parts
• Rice, buffalo meat and other food products

Import rules on their side

• Food, medicines and cosmetics need the importer’s FDA licence to operate and product registration before sale.
• Plant products need a sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance from the Bureau of Plant Industry before shipment; meat clearances come from the Bureau of Animal Industry.
• Products under mandatory Philippine standards (for example some steel, electrical goods and tyres) need a PS mark or Import Commodity Clearance from the Bureau of Philippine Standards.

Practical tips

• Business is done in English, which makes it easier for first-time Indian exporters. Distributors expect support on FDA registration.
• Rice and onion imports are managed by the government and can be paused or capped; check the current import policy with the buyer.
• Meet buyers at IFEX Philippines (food) in Manila; ask for an LC or advance for first orders.