The Philippines NTC and PEZA Guide for Global IT and Procurement Teams

Shipping IT hardware into the Philippines involves several regulatory layers that don’t apply in many other markets. From type approvals issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to special rules for duty exemptions in Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) zones, the process requires careful coordination to avoid delays. Whether you're importing laptops, routers, or data center equipment, understanding the NTC’s type approval process and the role of PEZA zones is essential for avoiding customs delays and unexpected costs.

This guide covers what the NTC is, which devices require approval, how the type approval process works, and how to avoid delays at customs. It also outlines how to navigate PEZA-related requirements to take advantage of VAT and duty exemptions when shipping to eligible zones.

What Is the NTC in the Philippines and What Does It Regulate?

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is the government agency responsible for regulating telecom and wireless equipment in the Philippines. Any device that connects to a public network, whether through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LAN, or cellular, may fall under its jurisdiction. The NTC ensures that these devices comply with national standards related to radio frequency use and telecommunications safety.

How to Apply for an NTC Import Permit

If you're applying for NTC approval through the Philippine National Single Window (NSW), here's a high-level overview of the process, based on publicly available government guidelines:

1. Create an NSW account. For setup, contact the Bureau of Customs MISTG by email at mistg-helpdesk@customs.gov.ph or call +632 8705 6096.

2. Start a new application in the NSW dashboard. Select “National Telecommunications Commission” as the agency, then choose the correct application form and NTC office based on your equipment type.

3. Fill out the application form. Make sure all items on your invoice are declared with accurate descriptions and quantities.

4. Upload the required documents. You’ll need to include:

• Proforma or commercial invoice (Note: Only one invoice is allowed per NTC application. Multiple invoices will cause a rejection.)

• NTC accreditation (for resellers)

• The manufacturer’s type approval certificate

• Technical specifications, especially wireless frequency information

• Airway bill or packing list

5. Submit the application and pay the applicable fees. Processing time is typically three working days after payment is received.

6. Track the status of your application. The permit will go through several internal NTC review stages before it is approved and forwarded to the Bureau of Customs.

7. Present the approved permit before your shipment arrives. Providing this documentation in advance helps prevent clearance delays at the port of entry.

Which Devices Require NTC Approval in the Philippines?

NTC approval is required for most devices that connect to a public network. This includes technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LAN, and cellular connectivity. Devices that typically require approval include:

• Laptops and tablets, due to built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios

• Routers, switches, and access points, which are classified as telecommunications equipment

• Mobile phones, which use multiple wireless technologies including cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth

Devices that are generally exempt include:

• Servers, which usually fall outside NTC scope but should still be submitted for formal exemption confirmation

• Standalone hard drives don’t usually require NTC approval, but they may occasionally trigger review by the Optical Media Board (OMB). We cover OMB in more detail later in this guide

If your device transmits or receives data using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LAN, or cellular technology, it will likely require NTC type approval before it can be imported into the Philippines. If you're unsure whether your device qualifies, a specialized import partner or a local customs broker can help you review the technical details and confirm whether approval or an exemption is required.

What Is NTC Type Approval and How Does It Work?

NTC type approval is a certification process that confirms a device meets the Philippines’ technical and safety standards for telecom and wireless equipment. Manufacturers typically apply through a third-party product compliance firm and submit the following:

• Test reports that confirm the device’s wireless functionality meets local requirements

• Technical datasheets outlining device specifications, especially radio frequency details

• A certificate of compliance from the manufacturer or testing agency

If the application is approved, the NTC will issue a Type Approval Certificate that lists the exact model and part number of the device.

Approved devices must meet the following requirements:

• Display a visible NTC label, typically located on the underside of the device

• Match the exact model and part number listed on the Type Approval Certificate

• Operate using approved wireless technologies, such as GSM, LTE, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth

How to Check If Your Device Has NTC Type Approval

If you are unsure whether your device already has NTC approval, there are a few ways to check before shipping.

Check with the manufacturer

Major OEMs such as Cisco, Dell, and Lenovo often maintain public or request-based lists of devices that have already been approved by the NTC. For example, this Intel Type Approval Certificate shows the official format, model reference, and certificate number—exactly what customs officials look for when verifying compliance.

Search the NTC’s public listings

Some regional offices of the NTC publish searchable lists of approved equipment, including model numbers and certificate IDs. One example is NTC Region 7’s list of approved equipment, which includes certifications for equipment from Cisco, Dell, HP, Huawei, and others. 

These lists are useful for reference, but they may not reflect the most up-to-date approvals. Use them as a general guide rather than definitive proof of compliance.

Look for the NTC label on the device

Approved equipment typically displays an NTC logo along with the corresponding certificate number. If the label is missing, it does not necessarily mean the device is unapproved, but you should confirm with the manufacturer. In some cases, they may be able to provide documentation or replacement labels.

Work with your logistics partner

If you are still unsure about your device’s approval status, reach out to a logistics partner or customs broker who can review your shipment and confirm whether it requires NTC approval or qualifies for an exemption. You can also coordinate with your hardware sourcing team to ensure the version you are purchasing is compliant with Philippine regulations.

Manufacturers often assign different part numbers to devices by region, and only some versions may carry the necessary certification and labeling for import.

How Importer Accreditation Works in the Philippines

Before you begin the NTC approval process, make sure the recipient in the Philippines is a registered importer. The business must be locally registered, hold a valid tax identification number (TIN), have a local bank account, and maintain an active accreditation with the Bureau of Customs (BoC). Customs authorities will require documentation to confirm that the importer is authorized to bring goods into the country.

What If Your Device Doesn’t Require Type Approval?

Even if your hardware is exempt from type approval, Philippine Customs often defers to the NTC for final confirmation. To avoid delays or shipment holds, you can submit the full shipment details to the NTC in advance for review.

In these cases, the NTC may issue a certificate of exemption (or a formal rejection letter) that confirms the shipment does not require type approval. Submitting this documentation before the shipment arrives helps prevent retroactive clearance issues and delays.

What Happens If You Skip the NTC Process?

If you skip the NTC approval process or fail to provide exemption documentation, you may run into the following issues:

• Shipments may be held at the port until the NTC reviews and approves the documentation

• Customs officials may conduct a physical inspection of the equipment, especially if labels or certificates are missing

• Mismatched model numbers or missing NTC labels can result in clearance delays or penalties

Submitting NTC documentation in advance gives customs a clear path to approval and reduces the risk of unexpected delays.

How NTC Compliance Is Typically Handled in Global Shipments

To prevent customs delays or rejections, you can coordinate type approval or exemption documentation before the shipment leaves its origin. This usually involves confirming whether your device requires approval, collecting the necessary documentation, and submitting a pre-approval application to the NTC through the Philippine NSW system.

Before your shipment arrives in the Philippines, you or your logistics partner should:

• Confirm whether your hardware requires NTC approval or qualifies for exemption

• Collect all required documentation, including certificates, technical datasheets, and invoices

• Submit the application through the NSW portal for review by the NTC

• Receive either a Type Approval Certificate or an exemption letter

• Include all NTC documentation in the customs clearance file

All of this happens before your shipment even arrives.

How PEZA Zones Can Reduce Import Costs in the Philippines

Many companies in the Philippines operate within PEZA zones, special economic areas that offer tax and duty exemptions for qualified imports. If your equipment is delivered directly to a registered PEZA facility, you may qualify for up to 12% in VAT and duty savings on the import.

To qualify for the exemption, the equipment must be delivered straight to the designated PEZA location. If you are using a third-party Importer of Record (IOR), make sure they are able to deliver directly to the PEZA facility. Most third-party IORs are not based within PEZA, and routing shipments through them can disqualify your import from VAT and duty exemptions.

If your office or data center operates within a PEZA zone, make sure you work with an IOR in the Philippines or customs broker that can manage PEZA-specific clearance procedures. Otherwise your shipment will be treated as a standard import and cleared as general consumption, triggering full duties and taxes.

Because the cost savings can be substantial, it’s worth confirming whether your final delivery address is inside a PEZA zone. You can ask your local team to:

• Confirm whether the destination is within a PEZA zone

• Ensure the shipment is routed to the correct PEZA-approved address

• Coordinate with a PEZA-accredited customs broker

An experienced customs broker or logistics partner can guide you through the PEZA clearance process.

Does the Optical Media Board (OMB) Apply to IT Hardware?

The Optical Media Board (OMB) regulates shipments that contain optical or magnetic media, including DVDs, CDs, and in some cases, standalone hard drives. The agency’s primary focus is to prevent the distribution of counterfeit media, including movies, music, and software.

OMB permits are rarely required for IT hardware, but they may occasionally be triggered when shipping standalone hard drives. If you plan on shipping hard drives, contact the OMB in advance to confirm that the drives are blank, do not contain software, and are not intended for resale.

Unless you are shipping physical media that contains software (such as installation CDs), OMB regulations generally do not apply to modern IT hardware. For a full list of commodities regulated by the OMB, see page two of the official OMB reference document, which outlines the scope of magnetic and optical media.

Clearing IT Hardware Through Philippine Customs: Key Takeaways

Navigating Philippine customs for IT hardware requires more than just standard paperwork. Whether you're importing wireless devices, servers, or storage equipment, these are the key regulatory checkpoints to plan for:

• NTC type approval is mandatory for most wireless and telecom devices, including laptops, routers, access points, and mobile phones. Servers and storage drives are often exempt but still require formal confirmation

• NTC documentation—either a certificate of approval or exemption—should be submitted before your shipment arrives. This prevents delays, inspections, and clearance issues

• Importer accreditation is required. The receiving party must be a locally registered business with a TIN, a local bank account, and an active Bureau of Customs profile

• PEZA zones can exempt your shipment from VAT and duties—up to 12% in savings—but only if it’s delivered directly to (and remains in) a registered PEZA facility

• The OMB usually doesn’t apply to IT hardware, but may get involved for standalone hard drives or physical media. When in doubt, confirm with the agency ahead of time

While regulations provide the framework, customs may still ask for additional documentation for exempt devices or shipments that include mixed hardware. The more you plan ahead, the smoother your clearance process will be.

Many multinational enterprises trust FGX to deliver seamless, best-in-class global IT shipping solutions for their infrastructure. We provide coverage to 174 countries and maintain a 99.98% customs clearance and delivery success rate even in highly regulated markets such as Brazil, India, and China. Please reach out if you’re interested in learning more.