Removals to the Philippines from the UK
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Moving a home to the Philippines — or sending a few balikbayan boxes — runs on clear customs limits set in Philippine law. Here are the duty-free allowances, the documents, what you can't send, and how the shipping works.
Last updated: October 2026 · 2 min read
Written and fact-checked by the Removly editorial team · How we research prices
How much can you send in balikbayan boxes?
Under the Philippine customs law, balikbayan boxes enter duty- and tax-free up to ₱150,000 in total, three times per calendar year. They must hold personal or household effects — not commercial quantities, and nothing for sale.
Residents of the Philippines, overseas Filipino workers and Filipinos living abroad can all send them.
Source: Philippine Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863) (2026)
What can returning Filipinos bring home duty-free?
Filipinos returning after at least six months abroad get an allowance that grows with time away:
- Under five years abroad: up to ₱150,000
- Five to ten years: up to ₱250,000
- Ten years or more: up to ₱350,000
The goods must arrive within 60 days of your return, with Department of Finance approval. Expect to provide the bill of lading, packing list, passport, a notarised affidavit of ownership and an authorisation letter.
What can't you send to the Philippines?
Philippine customs law prohibits obscene material, counterfeit goods, and adulterated or misbranded food and drugs, and restricts firearms, explosives, gambling devices and narcotics. Cash is limited too: no more than ₱50,000 in pesos, and foreign currency over US$10,000 must be declared.
Sources: Philippine Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863) (2026) · GOV.UK foreign travel advice (Philippines) (2026)
How is a move to the Philippines shipped?
A full container takes roughly six to eight weeks. Smaller moves usually go as a part load, sharing a container and paying for the space used — cheaper, but slower and on the container's schedule.
Prices for this route are quoted on request, so compare surveyed quotes. Our international removals page covers choosing a mover.
Removals to the Philippines: FAQs
How much can I send in a balikbayan box tax-free?
Up to ₱150,000 in total, three times per calendar year, under the Philippine customs law. The contents must be personal or household effects, not commercial quantities and not for sale.
What can returning Filipinos bring back duty-free?
Filipinos returning after at least six months abroad get a duty-free allowance that rises with time away: ₱150,000 for under five years, ₱250,000 for five to ten years, and ₱350,000 for ten years or more. The goods must arrive within 60 days of your return.
What documents do I need to ship household goods to the Philippines?
Typically the bill of lading or air waybill, a packing list, your passport, a notarised affidavit of ownership and an authorisation letter. Returning residents also need Department of Finance approval.
Can I do a part load to the Philippines?
Yes — smaller moves usually share a container and pay for their space. It is cheaper than a full container but takes longer, so you need flexible dates.
How long does shipping to the Philippines take?
A full container takes roughly six to eight weeks. Shared containers vary more because they wait to fill, so ask each firm for its own estimate.