Philippines
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Iloilo
Iloilo is a growing hub of the Western Visayas, linked by domestic flights to Manila and Cebu.
Services in Iloilo
- Air freight in IloiloAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in IloiloFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in IloiloImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Iloilo
- AirportIloilo International
ILO - AirportManila
MNL - SeaportPort of Iloilo
Iloilo International Airport (ILO) in Cabatuan, north of Iloilo City, is the main airport of Panay and the Western Visayas, with frequent domestic flights to Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB). International air cargo usually connects via Manila or Cebu. Sea freight runs through the Port of Iloilo, which handles containers and domestic shipping, and fast craft ferries link the city with Bacolod and Guimaras.
Main roads connect Iloilo City with the airport at Cabatuan and with the rest of Panay, including Roxas and Kalibo. Fast craft ferries cross the Guimaras Strait to Bacolod on Negros. We arrange pick-up and delivery across Iloilo City and the province.
Industries in Iloilo and how we support them
Iloilo is a growing hub of the Western Visayas, with sugar production and milling in the province, rice and food processing, and a fast-growing business process outsourcing sector. Retail and construction drive demand for imported goods and equipment. Ziem Logistics supports these businesses with air freight via ILO and MNL on our own air waybills, Next Flight Out for urgent mill and equipment parts and FCL or LCL sea freight via the Port of Iloilo or Manila. Our own customs team handles declarations in-house.
Operational logistics facts for Iloilo
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Iloilo International Airport (ILO) | Domestic air freight | Main airport of the Western Visayas with flights to Manila and Cebu |
| Port of Iloilo | Containers and domestic shipping | Sea freight for Panay |
| Fast craft link to Bacolod | Passenger and small cargo | Connection across the Guimaras Strait |
| Iloilo sugar and food processors | Sugar, rice, food | Urgent spare parts by air |
Customs clearance in the Philippines
In-house customs team
Customs clearance in the Philippines is handled by our own in-house customs team.
For air freight to and from the Philippines we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in the Philippines need accreditation as an importer with the Bureau of Customs.
Frequently asked questions
How does international air freight reach Iloilo?
Most international shipments fly into MNL or CEB on our own air waybill and continue to ILO on a domestic flight. We plan the transfer and confirm the routing with every booking.
Can you send urgent parts to a sugar mill in Iloilo province?
Yes. We book Next Flight Out to ILO via Manila or Cebu, have the part cleared and arrange delivery to the mill. For critical cases an On-Board Courier carries the part all the way.
Do typhoons affect shipments to Iloilo?
During the typhoon season, roughly from June to November, flights and ferries can be suspended for short periods. We monitor weather bulletins and rebook where needed.
Can customs be cleared in Iloilo?
Goods arriving directly at the Port of Iloilo can be cleared there, while goods via Manila or Cebu are usually cleared at the first port of entry. Our own customs team handles the declarations in-house, without outside brokers.
What does an importer in Iloilo need before the first shipment?
The importer needs accreditation with the Bureau of Customs, and regulated goods may need permits from agencies such as the FDA or the Bureau of Plant Industry. Our customs team checks this during tariff classification.
Can you handle sugar exports from Iloilo?
Sugar exports and imports in the Philippines are regulated by the Sugar Regulatory Administration and need the corresponding clearances. Our customs team checks the requirements and prepares the export declaration.