Short answer: To export Korean cosmetics to the Philippines, you need a Philippine importer that holds an FDA License to Operate, an FDA cosmetic notification for each product, English label information, and a certificate of origin so you can claim lower duties under the Korea-Philippines FTA, the ASEAN-Korea FTA or RCEP. Imports also pay 12% VAT. Nirvasian acts as your licensed importer and handles the FDA filing, freight, customs, duties and taxes, so your products arrive ready to sell.
This guide is for export managers at Korean beauty brands, and for OEM and ODM makers that ship for them. It covers documents, labels, duties, shipping options and what happens when the goods land in Manila.
Before you ship: the FDA comes first
Cosmetics cannot be cleared and sold in the Philippines until they are notified with the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Philippines follows the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, which most Korean export teams already know from other ASEAN markets. Two things must be in place before the first shipment leaves Korea:
- A licensed importer. A Philippine company holding an FDA License to Operate as a cosmetic importer or distributor. If you do not have a Philippine entity, Nirvasian can import under our license.
- A notification for each product. Filed online by the license holder. With complete documents, most notifications we file are approved in about 3 to 8 weeks.
Our FDA cosmetic notification guide explains the full process. You can also go straight to our FDA registration service.
Documents checklist for Korean exporters
| Document | Used for | Usually provided by |
|---|---|---|
| GMP certificate or certificate of manufacture | FDA notification | Your factory or OEM/ODM partner |
| Full ingredient list with percentages | FDA notification, ingredient check | Your factory or R&D team |
| Label artwork for each pack size | FDA notification, label check | Brand design team |
| Product photos in final packaging | FDA notification | Brand |
| Proof of special claims | FDA notification, if claims are made | Brand or lab |
| Certificate of origin | Lower duty under FTA, FDA where applicable | Exporter, through the Korean issuing authority |
| Commercial invoice and packing list | Customs clearance | Exporter |
| Air waybill or bill of lading | Customs clearance | Freight forwarder |
Labels: Korean packaging needs English information
Many K-beauty products are printed only in Korean, or in Korean with a little English. For the Philippines, the label must show the following in English, either printed or on a sticker:
- Product name and its function
- Directions for use
- Full ingredient list
- Country of manufacture (Made in Korea)
- Name and address of the company responsible in the Philippines
- Net content
- Batch number
- Manufacturing or expiry date
- Warnings or special precautions
Stickers are the usual solution for brands that sell the same packaging in Korea and abroad. The sticker text should match what was filed with the FDA, word for word.
Ingredients to double check
Korean formulas are generally made to strict standards, but the ASEAN lists of banned and restricted substances, colorants, preservatives and UV filters are not identical to Korean rules. Check every ingredient against the ASEAN annexes before filing, especially sunscreens, whitening or brightening products, hair dyes and products with high levels of active ingredients. Claims matter too: words like “treats acne” or “cures” can move a product out of the cosmetic category and into stricter rules.
Import duties, FTAs and VAT
Korean cosmetics entering the Philippines can benefit from three trade agreements:
- Korea-Philippines FTA, in force since 31 December 2024
- ASEAN-Korea FTA (AKFTA), using certificate of origin Form AK
- RCEP, the regional agreement that both countries belong to
Each agreement has its own schedule, so the best rate depends on the product’s tariff (HS) code. Your customs broker should compare them for each product and claim the lowest one. To claim any of them, the shipment needs a valid certificate of origin issued in Korea. On top of the duty, imports pay 12% VAT.
When you sell through Nirvasian, we classify your products, claim the right agreement, pay the duties and VAT and show every amount in your statements.
Shipping from Korea to the Philippines: air or sea
| Air freight from Incheon | Sea freight from Busan | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fastest | Slower |
| Cost per unit | Higher | Much lower for larger volumes |
| Best for | Launch stock, urgent restocks, small high-value orders | Regular restocks, full pallets, heavy items |
| Watch out for | Rules for aerosols, perfumes and other flammable products | Heat inside containers for sensitive products |
Most brands launch with a small air shipment so they can start selling quickly, then switch to sea freight once they know their monthly sales. We arrange both. See our importation and freight service.
What happens when the goods arrive in Manila
- Customs clearance with the importer’s license and FDA notifications
- Payment of duties and VAT
- Delivery to the warehouse
- Counting and quality check, with batch numbers and expiry dates recorded
- English stickers applied if needed
- Storage in ambient or cold-chain areas, depending on the product
- Stock goes live on your TikTok Shop, Shopee, Lazada or Shopify stores, which we can help you open and verify
From there, every order is picked, packed and shipped the same day it comes in before the daily cut-off. Read more in our guide for Korean brands selling in the Philippines without a local company, or on our fulfillment services page.
Common export mistakes
- Shipping before the FDA notifications are approved, which leaves stock stuck at customs
- Labels or stickers that do not match the notified product name and ingredients
- No certificate of origin, so the shipment pays full duty instead of the FTA rate
- Sending only one or two SKUs by air, then running out during the first sale day
- Sensitive products shipped by sea in hot containers without planning
Frequently asked questions
Can we export cosmetics to the Philippines without a Philippine company?
Yes, if a licensed Philippine importer handles the import and holds the FDA notifications. Nirvasian does this under its own licenses.
Is there zero duty on Korean cosmetics in the Philippines?
It depends on the product’s tariff code and which agreement applies. Korean products can qualify for reduced or zero duty under the trade agreements, but only with a valid certificate of origin. 12% VAT still applies on imports.
Do we need English labels on the product?
Yes. The required information must be in English. An English sticker on Korean packaging is the usual solution.
How long does the whole process take?
FDA notifications usually take about 3 to 8 weeks with complete documents. Add the shipping time from Korea and a few days for customs and receiving.
Can you handle a full container?
Yes. We handle everything from small air shipments to full sea containers, and we can store bulk stock on pallets.
Start exporting to the Philippines
Send us your product list and the HS codes if you have them. We will check your labels and ingredients, tell you what is needed and send an all-inclusive quote. WhatsApp +63 919 080 5147, email info@nirvasian.com or use our contact form.