- Import guide
- South & Southeast Asia
How to Import a Chinese EV to Philippines (2026)
What you need to know before importing a new or used Chinese EV to Philippines: import rules, duties and taxes, homologation, ports, shipping from China and the documents to prepare.
At a glance
- Import of new cars
- Allowed
- Import of used cars
- Not allowed
- Duties and taxes
- Executive Order No. 12 (January 2023) temporarily exempts electric vehicles and their components from import duties until 2028. The TRAIN law (RA 10963) exempts fully electric vehicles from the automobile excise tax and halves it for hybrids.
- Homologation and standards
- Before first registration with the LTO, an imported brand-new vehicle needs a Certificate of Conformity from the DENR and must pass an emission and roadworthiness inspection.
- Driving side
- Right-hand traffic (left-hand drive cars)
- Ports of entry
- Batangas, Manila
- Shipping from China
- 9–15 days at sea
- Documents required
- 9 main documents
- Dealers listed
- 2
Dealers in Philippines
- Our directory lists 2 Zeekr dealerships in Philippines. See Zeekr dealers in Philippines
Import of new cars to Philippines
New cars can be imported. Electric vehicles benefit from a temporary zero import duty until 2028 under Executive Order No. 12.
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Import of used cars to Philippines
Executive Order 877 prohibits the importation of all types of used motor vehicles into the customs territory, outside secured freeport zones, with limited exceptions such as vehicles with no more than 200 km bought new from a dealer.
Sources · verified October 16, 2026
Import duties and taxes in Philippines
Executive Order No. 12 (January 2023) temporarily exempts electric vehicles and their components from import duties until 2028. The TRAIN law (RA 10963) exempts fully electric vehicles from the automobile excise tax and halves it for hybrids.
| Tax | Rate or amount |
|---|---|
| Import duty – electric vehicles | 0% until 2028 (EO 12) |
| Excise tax – fully electric vehicles | Exempt (TRAIN law) |
| Excise tax – hybrids | 50% of the applicable rate (TRAIN law) |
Homologation and standards
Before first registration with the LTO, an imported brand-new vehicle needs a Certificate of Conformity from the DENR and must pass an emission and roadworthiness inspection.
- Registration is done at the LTO district office nearest the Bureau of Customs port of entry (Diliman for the National Capital Region).
Sources · verified October 29, 2026
Left-hand or right-hand drive?
The Philippines drives on the right. Republic Act 8506 prohibits importing, registering or operating vehicles with the steering wheel on the right-hand side, with limited exceptions such as vintage cars and motorsport vehicles.
Ports of entry in Philippines
Batangas receives the dedicated car carriers (ro-ro vessels) from China. Manila is the main container port.
- Batangas
- Manila
Documents required
Documents the LTO asks for to register an imported brand-new vehicle.
- Bureau of Customs clearance and certificate of tax payment
- Commercial invoice from the country of origin
- Bill of lading
- Original sales invoice
- Philippine National Police clearance (PNP-TMG in the circular)
- Certificate of Conformity from the DENR
- Motor vehicle inspection report
- Insurance certificate of cover
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Sources · verified October 29, 2026
Shipping a car from China to Philippines
A freight forwarder lists 15 days from Shanghai to Manila for a full container and 9 days for a groupage shipment. Clearance and inland delivery come on top.
- Indicative transit time9–15 days
Sources · verified October 29, 2026
Buy locally or import?
| Criteria | Local dealer | Import from China |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 2 dealers listed | Models sold in China, if they meet local rules |
| Taxes | Included in the dealer price | Paid at customs (see above) |
| Delivery time | Depends on dealer stock | About 9–15 days at sea, plus clearance |
| Paperwork | Handled by the dealer | Customs, homologation and registration |
Zeekr prices in China
| Model | China price |
|---|---|
| Zeekr X | $24,000 – $27,100 |
| Zeekr 7X | $35,400 – $41,500 |
| Zeekr 7GT | $31,400 – $37,500 |
| Zeekr 001 | $41,500 – $56,200 |
| Zeekr 007 | $31,400 – $37,500 |
| Zeekr 009 | $67,700 – $72,300 |
China prices are ranges from the cheapest to the dearest version, based on China prices and exporter quotes (November 2026), with a small margin. Freight, insurance, duties and taxes are extra. Compare Zeekr prices by region.
Xiaomi prices in China
| Model | China price |
|---|---|
| Xiaomi SU7 | $33,900 – $46,800 |
| Xiaomi SU7 Ultra | $81,500 |
| Xiaomi YU7 | $35,900 – $50,800 |
| Xiaomi YU7 GT | $60,000 |
China prices are ranges from the cheapest to the dearest version, based on China prices and exporter quotes (November 2026), with a small margin. Freight, insurance, duties and taxes are extra. Compare Xiaomi prices by region.
How to import a Chinese EV to Philippines, step by step
- 1
Check that your car can be imported
New cars: Allowed. Used cars: Not allowed.
- 2
Choose the model and the right steering side
Right-hand traffic (left-hand drive cars). Make sure the car you buy matches it.
- 3
Estimate the landed cost
Add the purchase price, export fees, sea freight, insurance, import duty, taxes and registration costs before you commit.
- 4
Ship the car
Main ports of entry: Batangas, Manila. Expect about 9–15 days at sea from China.
- 5
Clear customs
Prepare the documents listed above and pay the duties and taxes at clearance.
- 6
Homologate and register
Before first registration with the LTO, an imported brand-new vehicle needs a Certificate of Conformity from the DENR and must pass an emission and roadworthiness inspection.
FAQ: importing an electric car to Philippines
Can I import a used Chinese EV to the Philippines?
Generally no. Executive Order 877 prohibits importing used motor vehicles into the customs territory outside secured freeport zones, with limited exceptions.
Is there import duty on a Chinese EV in the Philippines?
Executive Order No. 12 sets a temporary zero import duty on electric vehicles until 2028, and fully electric vehicles are exempt from the automobile excise tax under the TRAIN law.
Can I bring a right-hand-drive Chinese EV into the Philippines?
No. Republic Act 8506 prohibits importing, registering or operating right-hand-drive vehicles, apart from limited exceptions such as vintage and motorsport vehicles.