Who can import Vehicles into the Philippines
Anyone can import vehicles that have never been registered (brand-new). The importation of used vehicles is banned for everyone except:
- A returning Filipino or a former Filipino citizen who has stayed abroad for more than a year. -or-
- An immigrant to the Philippines (shall be at least a holder of a 13G Visa duly issued by the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation).
Those that want to legally import a used vehicle must show that they have owned and operated the vehicle for at least six months.
Anyone which imports a used vehicle without an Import Approval, also called “Prior Import Authority” (PIA), will be heavily fined and their vehicle will be siezed. You will also be required to pay all the taxes and duty you would normally pay.
In addition to the above rules, you cannot import RHD vehicles. Only LHD (steering on left) vehicles can be legally imported.