Clearance, Goods Declaration &
Procedures
Import Clearance Overview
Importation Process
The importation process begins with the formal entry process, which includes various
procedures and modes of payment.
Goods declaration is a critical step, where importers must provide a statement indicating
the procedure for the entry of imported goods.
Types of goods declarations include consumption, warehousing, conditional importation,
and transit, each serving different purposes under the Customs Modernization and Tariff
Act (CMTA).
Formal entry is required for most goods, while informal entry applies to goods valued
under P50,000 or personal effects.
All importations must be supported by verifiable commercial documents, ensuring
compliance with customs regulations.
The Secretary of Finance is responsible for adjusting the threshold for informal entry
every three years based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Lodgement of Goods Declaration
Period to Lodge Goods Declaration
The initial period for lodging a goods declaration can be extended by 15 calendar days
upon written request, subject to the Collector of Customs' approval.
Valid grounds for extension include fraud, accidents, mistakes, excusable negligence,
force majeure, technical issues certified by MISTG, and other analogous circumstances.
Requests for extension must be submitted before the expiration of the original period to
be considered valid.