Philippine Hair Export Regulations: A Current Guide for International Buyers

This article provides general orientation for international buyers on the Philippine regulatory and documentation framework that applies to human hair exports. Requirements can vary based on product form, degree of processing, destination country, applicable trade agreements, and shipment method. This information is not legal, customs, or trade compliance advice.

Disclaimer: Export and import regulations are subject to change. Always confirm current requirements with a licensed customs broker, the relevant Philippine government authority, or the customs authority at the destination before proceeding with a shipment.

HS Classification: Why Product Form Matters

Classification of human hair under the Harmonized System (HS) depends on the specific form and degree of processing of the product.

Unworked human hair — including hair that has been washed but not otherwise further processed — is generally classified under HS 0501.00.00 (Chapter 05: Products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified).

Worked human hair — hair that has been dressed, thinned, bleached, or otherwise prepared for use in wigs, extensions, or similar products — is generally classified under HS 6703.00.00 (Chapter 67).

This distinction matters because classification determines the applicable tariff and regulatory requirements at both the Philippine export stage and the destination country import stage. The Philippine National Trade Repository (PNTR) identifies HS 6703.00.00 as regulated and associates this heading with the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) of the Department of Health.

Buyers and exporters who are uncertain about the correct classification for their specific product should consider obtaining an Advance Ruling on Tariff Classification from the Philippine Tariff Commission, or consulting a licensed customs broker.

Bureau of Customs (BOC) — General Export Framework

Philippine export procedures are governed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) under the Customs Modernisation and Tariff Act (CMTA). The general framework allows most commodities to be exported without per-shipment clearance unless the product is specifically classified as regulated or prohibited under current BOC Memorandum Circulars (CMCs).

For regulated commodities, the exporter must obtain the applicable clearance from the responsible government agency before proceeding to BOC for an Authority to Load. The BOC updates its list of regulated and prohibited export commodities periodically. Exporters should verify the current classification of their product against the latest applicable CMC at the time of shipment.

Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) — Health and Sanitary Requirements

The Philippine National Trade Repository currently lists HS 6703.00.00 as regulated and identifies the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) of the Department of Health in its commodity information for that heading. Because the repository's display of export agency information is not entirely consistent across all sections, exporters should confirm the applicable BOQ requirements — including any required documentation, inspection, or clearance — directly with the BOQ before shipment.

Note on Phytosanitary Certificates: Phytosanitary certificates are issued for plant-based products and are associated with the Bureau of Plant Industry. They should not be assumed to apply to human hair, which is not a plant product. Whether any phytosanitary requirement applies at the destination should be confirmed with the destination country's import authority or the buyer's customs broker. Do not assume a phytosanitary certificate is universally required for human hair.

Note on CITES: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) governs trade in wildlife-derived products. Human hair is not itself a CITES-regulated product. CITES would only become relevant if the shipment contained other regulated materials. No CITES documentation is required for human hair alone.

Standard Export Documentation

The following documents are commonly encountered in Philippine hair export transactions, depending on the product, destination, and applicable requirements. The exact documentation package required will vary:

Export Declaration (Goods Declaration for Export): Filed with the BOC to initiate the export customs process. Typically prepared by the exporter or their licensed customs broker.

Commercial Invoice: Should accurately state seller and buyer details, product description (including HS code where required), quantity, unit price, total value, currency, and Incoterms.

Packing List: Details the number of packages, their gross and net weights, and contents per package.

Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: Issued by the carrier, confirming the shipment.

Origin Documentation: A Certificate of Origin may be required at the destination — for tariff preference claims, import duty determination, or other regulatory purposes. The issuing authority, required format, and applicable trade agreement will depend on the destination country and the preference regime being claimed. Confirm which origin documentation is required with the buyer's customs broker before shipment.

Practical Reference Table — Issues to Verify

Issue | What to Verify Before Shipment Product classification | Is your hair product worked (6703) or unworked (0501)? Philippine export requirements | Check current BOC Memorandum Circular for regulated status BOQ requirements | Confirm directly with BOQ whether clearance, documentation or inspection applies Export Declaration | Engage a licensed Philippine customs broker to file Commercial Invoice | Confirm required content and format for destination Origin documentation | Confirm whether a Certificate of Origin is required and under which authority Destination import requirements | Confirm with the buyer's customs broker what documentation, duties, and requirements apply at the destination Special permits | Confirm whether any special permits are required based on current regulatory classification

Before Shipment — Checklist

1. Confirm the HS classification of your specific product (worked or unworked hair) 2. Check the current BOC Memorandum Circular for regulated export status 3. Confirm BOQ requirements directly — whether a clearance, permit or documentation is required 4. Engage a licensed Philippine customs broker for the Export Declaration 5. Ensure commercial documentation is complete and accurate 6. Confirm origin documentation requirements with the destination buyer 7. Confirm destination country import requirements with the buyer's customs broker

For Current Official Information

Philippine Bureau of Customs: customs.gov.ph Philippine National Trade Repository: pntr.gov.ph Philippine Tariff Commission (Advance Rulings): tariffcommission.gov.ph Bureau of Quarantine: Official DOH / BOQ contact channels

Disclaimer (Repeated)

The information in this article is provided for general orientation only. Regulatory requirements change and vary by product, destination, trade agreement, and current published rules. Neither Imperial Hair Group nor the authors of this article accept responsibility for decisions made on the basis of this general information. Always confirm current requirements with a qualified customs professional or the relevant government authority.