Reference: Joint Circular No. 1 dated 22 June 2015 of the Department of Health, Food and Drug Administration, and the Bureau of Customs
Bringing in of FDA-DOH regulated products may be brought into the Philippines without prior clearance from the Food and Drugs Administration, provided such products are:
- For personal use;
- In quantities not exceeding the limits set by the Philippine authorities; and
- Brought into the Philippines in any of the following ways:
i. In passenger baggage, whether accompanied or unaccompanied;
ii. In balikbayan boxes; or
iii. In parcels sent through mail or delivery services.
Please click here for FDA-DOH regulated products and quantities
Inbound travelers taking prescription drugs (tablets and ampoules) must bring a letter or a medical certificate from their physician stating the condition for which they are receiving treatment and the dosage with English translation. The amount of drugs brought into the Philippines should be sufficient for the duration of the visit.
For those who are travelling onward to another country, a separate quantity of drugs should be carried in a sealed container and declared before exiting the country.
Other resources:
Bureau of Customs – Guidelines on Arriving Travelers
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions
Dangerous Drug Board – Lists of Scheduled Controlled Substances
For further inquiries, you may email to:
Department of Health
Food and Drug Administration
Bureau of Customs
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
click on the name of agency and you will be directed to the official website
