Philippines
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Subic Bay
The Subic Bay Freeport Zone has its own customs treatment for registered companies.
Services in Subic Bay
- Air freight in Subic BayAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in Subic BayFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in Subic BayImport 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 Subic Bay
- AirportClark
CRK - SeaportSubic Bay Freeport
The Subic Bay Freeport Zone is served by the container terminals of Subic Bay, operated by Subic Bay International Terminals, which handle FCL cargo for Central and Northern Luzon. For air freight, the nearest major airport is Clark International Airport (CRK), reached via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, while Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is the main alternative. Subic Bay's own airport plays little role in commercial cargo today.
The Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) connects Subic with Clark and Tarlac, and the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) continues to Metro Manila. The Subic Freeport Expressway links the freeport with NLEX. We arrange pick-up and delivery across the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Zambales.
Industries in Subic Bay and how we support them
The Subic Bay Freeport Zone, administered by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, hosts shipbuilding and ship repair, logistics and distribution centres, manufacturing companies and tourism businesses. Freeport-registered companies import and export under special customs treatment. Ziem Logistics supports these supply chains with FCL sea freight via the Subic Bay terminals, air freight via CRK or MNL on our own air waybills, Next Flight Out for urgent ship spare parts and On-Board Couriers for critical components. Our own customs team handles declarations in-house, including freeport procedures.
Operational logistics facts for Subic Bay
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Subic Bay container terminals | FCL for Central and Northern Luzon | Container port outside Metro Manila congestion |
| Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBMA) | Shipbuilding, logistics, manufacturing | Freeport customs treatment for registered companies |
| Clark International Airport (CRK), via SCTEX | International air freight | Nearest major airport, linked by expressway |
| SCTEX and NLEX corridor | Road freight to Clark, Tarlac and Manila | Expressway links in two directions |
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
Which airport do you use for air freight from Subic?
We usually use CRK, reached via SCTEX, and fly on our own air waybill. MNL is the alternative when a better flight exists there. We confirm the routing with every booking.
Can you send urgent ship spare parts to Subic?
Yes. We book Next Flight Out into CRK or MNL, have the parts cleared and arrange delivery to the shipyard or vessel. For critical items an On-Board Courier carries them all the way.
Do typhoons affect shipments to Subic?
During the typhoon season, roughly from June to November, port and airport operations can be suspended for short periods. We monitor weather bulletins and rebook where needed.
How does customs work for companies in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone?
Companies registered with the SBMA can import qualifying goods into the freeport free of duties and taxes. When goods move from the freeport into the rest of the Philippines, duties and taxes apply. Our own customs team prepares the declarations for both cases.
Who clears customs for goods arriving at Subic Bay?
Ziem Logistics clears customs in the Philippines in-house. Our own customs team files declarations with the Bureau of Customs for goods arriving at Subic Bay, without sub-agents or outside brokers.
Can goods move from Subic to Clark under freeport status?
Goods can be transferred between freeport zones under customs control, provided the receiving company is also registered. Our customs team checks the details on both sides and prepares the transfer documents.