I have made a comparison between EMS and SAL and here are the issues I experienced using both services.
EMS shipping method
- Package sent abroad is delivered faster to the Philippines however it may take 1-3 weeks or even more when your package undergoes inspection in customs. This is a normal process of customs as all packages shipped by EMS are subject to inspection before delivering it to local post offices in the country.
- EMS method is best used to ship packages that are small and when you have few contents in your package.
- EMS shipping method is fast but too expensive, do not use this method when shipping large packages.
- If you get impatient you can always go to EMS Pasay to claim your package. Be prepared on waiting for hours as the process may take long. Best to go early in the morning.
SAL registered Air
- Be sure to ship your package via SAL air (REGISTERED) so you'll have a tracking number available.
- Package sent abroad by SAL air may take 3-5 days or more processing time before sending it to the Philippines.
- SAL registered air is cheaper and it is recommendable to use when you have tons of stuff in your package but there is a weight limit though and it may switch you to use SAL surface (ships via boat) instead.
- SAL registered air is best used in shipping large packages.
- Do at your own risk when shipping SAL air (UNREGISTERED) without a tracking number as it is far more cheaper and not recommendable.
- Some says shipping with SAL goes under the radar of Philippine customs and to tell you its not always the case. As all packages are subject to inspection located in EMS Pasay. It will only depend on the declared value of your package whether it'll be dutiable or not.
- Another option to use SAL is their small package option called SAL small package (REGISTERED) it is cheaper than regular SAL but your package weight is limited to only 2000 grams and package dimension should not exceed 90cm (length + width + height).
- 10,000 PHP and below worth of items (shipping cost included) are now non-taxable by customs.
- Tracking numbers are sometimes not updated daily in the Philpost website. Be sure to use 17 Track instead to track your packages.
- Sometimes packages take a long time to arrive and it will leave you clueless as the tracking number is not updated daily. Be sure to call your local post office,
- If you have any concerns regarding with your package try sending an email to Bureau of Customs cares as they only reply during weekdays - boc.cares@customs.gov.ph
- You still have to pay for 112 PHP and its for the Post Office handling fee (this is not customs duties but this is a default amount when you claim packages at your local post office).
- Lastly, know the difference between SAL air as it ships via by air and SAL surface ships via by boat/ship.
- Provincial Post Offices don't have Customs Officer present. If you need to recompute the value of your package simply request it to the Post Master found at your local post office.
- Again shipping methods vary from online shopping sites, make sure to contact the site first as it can help you save $$$
Overall there are no good or bad when it comes to shipping our dear packages. It just depends on our budget and personal preference.
Hope I helped others on their quest for answers on what is the best shipping method to use when buying online stuff here in the Philippines.
Thanks for reading.
