I own a call center in Utah. I have just finalized negotiations with a new partner in the Philippines and will be moving my operations to that country. I would like to ship my equipment, which includes computers, servers, routers, headsets, and other things used in my business.
I would also like to bring my car, if that is possible, as I expect to stay in the country for a long time. Could you tell me what I need to do to arrange for overseas shipping of my car and equipment to the Philippines?
The Answer:
The call center industry in the Philippines is certainly on a roll, and more and more foreign investors are moving there. The call center/business process outsourcing industry is one of the areas in IT and IT-enabled services that the Philippine government is encouraging investments on.
First, you will need to hire the services of an international shipping company that will ship your equipment out of the United States. You have two options for overseas shipping to the Philippines by air freight, or by container shipping (sea). Container shipping is the cheaper option, but will take a little longer.
Your international shipping company will be able to advise you on the best way to pack your equipment in order to minimize/avoid damage during transit, and can even do the packing for you. You might also want to take out marine insurance on your shipment.
Once your shipment gets to the Philippines, you will need to go through a licensed customs broker in that country in order to be able to claim your equipment. Your international shipping company may be able to provide you with a list of licensed customs brokers in the Philippines that they have done business with, or your local partner could arrange for a good one whom you will be able to trust.
Clearances from various government agencies will be required before the cargo you sent for overseas shipping arrives in the Philippines. Your Philippine partner can arrange for these.
After the shipment arrives, you or your authorized customs broker acting on your behalf are required to file an import entry. This must be done within 8 to 15 days, but not exceeding 30 days, after the shipment is unloaded from the overseas shipping vessel. You will need your bill of lading, commercial invoice and packing list in order to be able to file the import entry. Ask your international shipping company or customs broker what other documents, if any, would be needed.
Your shipment will be inspected and valuated by the Customs office, after which you will have to pay customs duties and taxes. It normally takes around 3 to 4 working days for shipments to be cleared if all your documents are in order and the customs duties have been paid.
As for your car, Philippine laws are very strict about car importation, and overseas shipping of vehicles into the country is currently allowed only for returning residents, immigrants, and diplomats. Another simple option You would have is to buy a car in the Philippines instead.
Nir Dotan is a writer and promoter of Omega Shipping services, and Omega Shipping Local as well as International Moving.
Article Source: Shipping Office Equipment To Asia