Philippine apparel sourcing guide
Import apparel from the Philippines to Barbados
Buyers importing apparel from the Philippines to Barbados can source blank shirts and custom OEM/ODM garments directly from PHShirt. We prepare commercial documentation for the agreed Incoterm and coordinate freight from the Philippines toward Bridgetown, Saint Michael, Christ Church, and resort destinations across Barbados. Final duties, permits, labelling, and product-safety obligations should be confirmed with a licensed broker or competent authority before shipment.
- 5 blank brandsYalex · A2Z · Crown · Softex · Blackhorse
- Caribbean deskCARICOM CET · BNSI English labelling
- 5 branchesTagum · Davao · CDO · Zamboanga · Manila
- Sample order≤5 pcs · paid · ships in 7 days
Sample of what we ship to Barbados
Custom embroidery and OEM cuts from our Philippine production line, tailored for Caribbean resort gift shops, corporate events, and private labels.
Custom-embroidered polo · 240 GSM combed cotton
Detail of chest placement · OEKO-TEX reactive dyes
Why source apparel from the Philippines?
PHShirt combines export-ready garment production with direct access to established blank-shirt brands. Buyers can source Yalex, A2Z, Crown, Softex, and Blackhorse blanks or commission OEM/ODM runs with custom fabric, sizing, labels, printing, embroidery, and packaging.
- Flexible productionBlank-stock fulfillment and custom manufacturing from one supplier.
- Document coordinationCommercial invoice, packing list, and origin documents prepared to the agreed shipment.
- Human export supportOne sales contact from specification review through dispatch.
Philippines to Barbados Shipping Corridors & Ports
Transpacific container shipping lanes and international air-cargo corridors connecting Philippine apparel manufacturing directly to the Caribbean logistics network.
Major International Seaports (Ocean Container Gateways)
Containerized FCL and LCL garment cargo departs Philippine marine container terminals and enters Barbados through the Port of Bridgetown deep-water terminal for rapid distribution across the island.
Philippines Departure Seaports
Origin Hubs- Davao International Container Port (DICT) PHDVO / PHDIC
Premier modern deep-water container terminal in Panabo City, Davao Gulf. Features a 15-meter natural draft accommodating post-Panamax vessels. Operates direct scheduled weekly feeder loops connecting into Caribbean line-haul container services to Bridgetown.
- Port of Manila (MICT & South Harbor) PHMNL
Largest international container gateway in the Philippines, handling over 4.5 million TEUs annually. Offers high-frequency ocean sailings connecting Philippine garment production lines to Caribbean transshipment hubs (Kingston / Panama / Port of Spain).
- Cebu International Port (CIP) PHCEB
Central Visayas maritime cargo consolidation hub linking garment manufacturing plants in Mactan and Cebu export processing zones with international feeder loops.
- Batangas International Port PHBTG
Alternative deep-water container terminal in Southern Luzon serving Calabarzon export manufacturing zones with direct highway links bypassing Metro Manila traffic.
- Subic Bay International Container Port (NCT) PHSFS
Strategic deep-water Freeport container terminal serving Central and Northern Luzon industrial estates with dedicated highway transit and rapid customs dispatch.
Barbados Arrival Seaports
Destination Hub- Port of Bridgetown (Deep Water Harbour) BBBGI
Barbados' primary international commercial deep-water seaport operated by Barbados Port Inc. (BPI). Located in Saint Michael parish, it features dedicated container quays, gantry cranes, container freight station (CFS) consolidation sheds, and direct customs clearance through the Barbados Customs & Excise ASYCUDA World system.
- Spring Garden Terminal & Coastal Depots BBSTH
Auxiliary maritime cargo and coastal logistics area north of Bridgetown supporting regional inter-island transport, warehousing, and commercial distribution across Saint Michael and Christ Church.
Major International Airports (Air Cargo Gateways)
Urgent resort merchandise replenishment, regatta event apparel, corporate uniforms, and pre-production sample approvals fly between Philippine cargo terminals and Grantley Adams International Airport.
Philippines Departure Airports
Origin Air Cargo- Davao Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) DVO / RPMD
Primary air cargo facility for Southern Mindanao. Features regular widebody domestic bellyhold cargo feeding into Manila (MNL) for consolidated international air waybills connecting to the Caribbean.
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA / MNL) MNL / RPLL
National air cargo flagship in Metro Manila. Connects air freight shipments to Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) via scheduled flights and cargo freighters routed through Miami (MIA), London (LHR), or North American gateways.
- Clark International Airport (CRK) CRK / RPLC
Major express freight hub hosting dedicated international integrator facilities (FedEx, UPS, DHL). Features 24/7 freighter ramp handling and rapid customs clearance for Northern Luzon.
- Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) CEB / RPVM
Central Visayas air cargo gateway linking garment producers to international airline networks through transshipment via Singapore (SIN) and Hong Kong (HKG).
Barbados Arrival Airport
Destination Air Cargo- Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI / TBPB) BGI / TBPB
Barbados' only international airport and premier Eastern Caribbean aviation hub located in Seawell, Christ Church. Features dedicated air cargo sheds, temperature-controlled storage, on-site customs inspection (ASYCUDA World), and express integrator facilities (DHL, FedEx, Amerijet).
Philippines to Barbados Freight Planning Summary
Landed-cost & Trade Framework for Barbados
A reliable landed-cost estimate needs the final garment specification, quantity, packing dimensions, HS classification, Incoterm, destination, and delivery mode.
- Trade Framework
- CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET) & WTO Most-Favoured-Nation Schedule
- Duty & Customs Guide
- Apparel imported into Barbados is subject to the CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET), typically assessed at 20% on HS Chapter 61 (Knitted) and Chapter 62 (Woven) apparel. In addition, Barbados standard Value Added Tax (VAT) applies at 17.5% on the CIF value plus customs duty, alongside standard customs environmental levies and ASYCUDA entry processing fees. Commercial invoices may be denominated in USD or BBD (pegged at 2.00 BBD = 1.00 USD).
- Recommended Fabrics
- Breathable 180 to 220 GSM ring-spun combed cotton for tropical weather, quick-dry performance poly-spandex for sailing regattas and water sports, UV-protective SPF fabrics, and premium pique cotton-poly polos for hospitality staff uniforms.
- Destination currency
- Barbados Dollar (BBD) / US Dollar (USD)
- Freight variables
- Chargeable weight or volume ratio, international marine bunker surcharges, port handling charges at Port of Bridgetown, ASYCUDA customs clearance fees, and domestic road transport across Barbados.
Compliance checkpoints for Barbados
These checkpoints are planning prompts, not a substitute for a binding tariff ruling or legal advice. Confirm the exact product scope before production labels and packaging are approved.
- ASYCUDA World Customs Filing: Electronic import declarations must be registered through the Barbados Customs & Excise Department's ASYCUDA World portal by an accredited local customs broker.
- BNSI & CARICOM CRS 5 Labelling: Garments must carry English-language permanent labels specifying fibre composition (e.g. 100% Cotton), care instructions or care symbols (ISO 3758 / ASTM), country of origin ("Made in Philippines"), and manufacturer or importer brand information.
- Commercial Documentation: Commercial invoice and packing list must detail exact garment descriptions, unit values, HS classifications, gross and net weights, and carton counts matching the Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB).
- Resort & Merchandise Quality: Fabrics should adhere to international chemical safety norms (OEKO-TEX Standard 100 or certified azo-free reactive dyes) to resist chlorine, saltwater, and intense Caribbean sunlight without colour fading.
- Currency & Payment Settlement: Transactions are typically settled via international wire transfer (USD) through standard SWIFT commercial banking channels.
HS classification starting points
Most apparel begins in CARICOM CET Chapter 61 (knitted or crocheted) or Chapter 62 (woven). Fibre composition, knit versus woven construction, gender, garment type, and intended use determine the final tariff line. The 8-digit codes below represent the standard starting points for Philippine apparel shipped to Barbados; your licensed customs broker confirms the final tariff classification.
- 6109 10 00 - Cotton T-shirts, polo singlets, and vests, knitted or crocheted (Chapter 61)
- 6110 20 10 - Cotton pullovers, cardigans, and sweatshirts, knitted or crocheted (Chapter 61)
- 6203 42 00 - Men's or boys' cotton shorts, trousers, and resort wear, woven (Chapter 62)
- 6205 20 00 - Men's or boys' woven cotton shirts and resort button-downs (Chapter 62)
Customs valuation in Barbados is based on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight). Consult with your licensed Barbados customs broker prior to shipment departure to verify tariff lines and documentation requirements.
Documents commonly prepared
Document requirements vary by buyer, carrier, bank, customs authority, and trade arrangement.
- 01Commercial invoiceSeller, buyer, goods, values, currency, Incoterm, and payment details.
- 02Packing listCartons, quantities, sizes, net and gross weight, and dimensions.
- 03Transport documentBill of lading, sea waybill, or air waybill issued for the shipment.
- 04Supporting certificatesOrigin, testing, inspection, or preferential documents when required.
MOQ, timing, and payment
Production starts after specification, sample or artwork, price, payment, and delivery terms are approved in writing.
- Minimum order
- 50 pieces per design for custom production; blank-stock MOQs depend on brand, color, and size mix
- Production lead time
- 3–6 weeks after sample, artwork, and payment approval; shipping time is additional
- Typical payment structure
- International wire transfer (USD/BBD); documentary collection or irrevocable letter of credit may be agreed for qualified larger orders
Importing from the Philippines to Barbados: FAQ
Answers for early-stage sourcing. Your quotation will state the commercial terms that apply to the actual order.
What is the minimum order for shipping apparel to Barbados?
50 pieces per design for custom production, with sizes mixed freely within the MOQ. Blank-stock orders for brands such as Yalex, A2Z, Crown, Softex, and Blackhorse depend on inventory and colour availability.
Custom woven brand labels carry a standard 100-piece minimum per design. Sample runs are 1–5 pieces at a paid sample fee, fully credited against your subsequent bulk production order.
How long does shipping from the Philippines to Barbados take?
Ocean freight transit from Manila (MICT) or Davao (DICT) to the Port of Bridgetown (BBBGI) typically requires 28–45 days via transpacific line-haul and Caribbean feeder connections.
Air cargo takes 3–5 days from Manila or Clark to Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) via Miami or London. Express couriers (DHL / FedEx) deliver pre-production samples door-to-door within 4–7 business days.
Which HS codes commonly apply to apparel imported into Barbados?
Knitted cotton apparel falls under CARICOM CET Chapter 61 (e.g., 6109.10.00 for T-shirts and polos, 6110.20.10 for sweatshirts). Woven apparel falls under Chapter 62 (e.g., 6203.42.00 for shorts/trousers and 6205.20.00 for button-down shirts).
A licensed Barbados customs broker confirms the final 8-digit tariff code based on garment construction, fibre content, gender, and intended use.
Can PHShirt supply custom branding, care labels, and packaging for Barbados?
Yes. OEM/ODM orders can include buyer-approved woven neck labels, care labels complying with BNSI / CARICOM CRS 5 standards, barcode hangtags, individual polybags, and custom carton markings.
Labels can feature your resort logo, brand identity, fibre content percentages, and the mandatory origin label "Made in Philippines".
Which Incoterms can be quoted?
PHShirt quotes standard Incoterms 2020 rules: EXW (ex-works Tagum or Manila), FOB (free on board Manila or Davao), CFR (cost and freight to Port of Bridgetown), and CIF (cost, insurance, and freight). Your formal quotation will clearly state the Incoterm and named port.
Request a Barbados import quote
Tell us your garment type, quantity, and target delivery date. We'll respond same-day with a planning brief, sample options, and a freight outline. Your details go straight to our export desk - no generic inbox.
Discuss a shipment to Barbados
Send your garment type, quantity, sizes, decoration method, target delivery date, and destination city.