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.
Hi, thanks for this, sobrang laki ng tulong.
ReplyDeleteMay question lang ako,
Meron bang shipping method na hindi na dadaan sa customs dito sa ph? Oorder kasi ako ng item sa japan.
Thanks
Sorry sa late reply, actually lahat ng packages dadaan sa customs regardless kung ano pa ang shipping method mo.
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ReplyDeleteIs it really required na dun pipick upin yung item sa office? Before they issued an invoice, they asked me where the item is to be delivered. Isn't that an indication na idedeliver na lang dun sa address na nilagay yung item ko?
ReplyDeleteNo it isn't necessarily required to get your package sa Pasay head office ng EMS, pero if naiinip ka na and wala pa sa local post office mo yun package, chances are nasa head office pa ng EMS Pasay yun package mo. You can always wait naman for your package to be delivered sa local post office mo (ex. Makati Post office, Manila post office, Mayamot Antipolo post office) to your delivery address.
DeleteIndeed it is very nice share. I am also very interested in hiring the Delivery services Fort Worth because want to increase the business now so will need to send the products to the agents in different cities. I was just wondering if anyone here has suggestions for the best company!
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ReplyDelete1st time ko magEMS bbli ksi ako item from japan 8000php ksma na shipping may addtional charge ba sa pagclaim yun dito sa pinas or 112 lang din bbyrn?
ReplyDeleteLast week kasi kinuha ko.item ko sa post office paranque worth 2800 lang bnli ko sa ebay nklmtn ko anong courier pero 112 lang din bnyrn ko sa post office, pareho lang ba mangyyri if EMS ggmtn ko from japan ksi yung item like gundam Kits
Thanks po 😀 😀 😀
Sa 8000 PHP worth na package mo from Japan, wala siya custom duties or additional charges and also YES, tama ka, ang babayaran mo lang dapat is 112 PHP lang.
Delete1st time ko magEMS bbli ksi ako item from japan 8000php ksma na shipping may addtional charge ba sa pagclaim yun dito sa pinas or 112 lang din bbyrn?
ReplyDeleteLast week kasi kinuha ko.item ko sa post office paranque worth 2800 lang bnli ko sa ebay nklmtn ko anong courier pero 112 lang din bnyrn ko sa post office, pareho lang ba mangyyri if EMS ggmtn ko from japan ksi yung item like gundam Kits
Thanks po 😀 😀 😀
Sa 8000 PHP worth na package mo from Japan, wala siya custom duties or additional charges and also YES, tama ka, ang babayaran mo lang dapat is 112 PHP lang.
ReplyDeleteHello, first time po ako nagdeliver galing Japan. SAL small sya, pero magkakalahating buwan na at hindi pa siya dumurating... Idedeliver po ba siya sa doorstep ng condo o kailangan siyang ipickup? Kung pickup, saan ho kaya?
ReplyDeleteI have two incoming boxes from korea via ems. Albums around 40 pcs. One box is more than 10k while the other is less than. Curious lang po ako and I hope you can help me, how much will be the tax for this? If you can direct me po sa tax formula so I can calculate. Thank you in advance!
ReplyDeleteThis topic are really helpful
ReplyDeleteThank you guys
Ilang days po dadating ung pinaka early po? Sam unregistered po kinuha ko fro japan... Worth 1k lng naman na gundam
ReplyDeleteNakuha mo na yung kit mo?
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ReplyDeletehi, thanks for posting. helped me a lot. question lang po: kailangan ko bang ipickup yung package sa local post office namin or meron bang certain times na idedeliver nila directly to the listed address? i’m about to order something using ems and i’m curious on how it works ‘cause i’ve always used dhl but this time the only delivery option is ems.
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