Philippine apparel sourcing guide

Import apparel from the Philippines to Iceland

Buyers importing apparel from the Philippines to Iceland can source premium blank t-shirts, heavyweight hoodies, technical outdoor layers, and custom OEM/ODM garments directly from PHShirt. We prepare commercial export documentation for the agreed Incoterm and coordinate multimodal freight from the Philippines toward Reykjavik, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Akureyri, and Reykjanesbær. Take advantage of 0% duty-free tariff preferences under the Philippines to EFTA Free Trade Agreement, established North Atlantic maritime feeder routes via the Port of Reykjavik (Sundahöfn), high-speed air cargo via Keflavik International Airport (KEF), and dedicated bilingual export account support.

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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.

Shipping route and gateways to Iceland

Apparel consignments from the Philippines to Iceland navigate international ocean container lanes connecting via premier European transshipment hubs (Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, or Immingham) onto specialized North Atlantic container services operated by Eimskip and Samskip directly into the Port of Reykjavik (Sundahöfn). For rapid fashion deliveries, outdoor brand launches, showroom samples, and urgent seasonal top-ups, express air cargo connects directly into Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Final routing depends on volume, Incoterm, carrier schedule, and the buyer's nominated forwarder.

Major International Seaports (Ocean Container Gateways)

Containerized FCL and LCL garment cargo departs from dedicated Philippine international container terminals and enters Iceland through specialized North Atlantic deep-water container facilities equipped for year-round sub-Arctic maritime operations.

Davao International Container Port (DICT) PHDVO / PHDIC
Primary modern deep-water container terminal in Southern Mindanao (Panabo / Davao Gulf). Handles direct factory container stuffings from our Tagum City and Davao production facilities, loading directly onto linehaul container vessels without Manila domestic transfer delays.
Location: Davao Gulf / Mindanao • Terminal: DICT Panabo
Port of Manila (MICT & South Harbor) PHMNL
The nation's largest container shipping gateway. Connects regular weekly ocean loops to Northern European transshipment hubs via Maersk, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), CMA CGM, and ONE.
Location: Metro Manila / Luzon • Terminals: MICT (ICTSI) & South Harbor (ATI)
Cebu International Port (CIP) PHCEB
Central Visayas primary maritime terminal handling regional container feeder connections into international transshipment centers in Singapore and Tanjung Pelepas.
Location: Cebu City / Visayas • Role: Central Philippines export gateway
Subic Bay International Container Port (NCT) PHSFS
Strategic deep-water Freeport container terminal serving Central and Northern Luzon industrial estates with dedicated expressway transit and fast customs processing.
Location: Subic Bay Freeport Zone • Terminal: SBITC / ICTSI

Port of Reykjavik (Faxaflóahafnir / Sundahöfn) ISREY
Iceland's principal commercial container port, handling over 85% of all containerized imports into the country. Sundahöfn houses the flagship container terminals of Eimskip and Samskip, featuring state-of-the-art gantry cranes, automated container gates, modern customs clearance inspection facilities, and immediate highway access to the Reykjavik Capital Region and Route 1 (Ring Road).
Region: Höfuðborgarsvæðið / Greater Reykjavik • Terminals: Sundahöfn Container Terminal (Eimskip & Samskip)
View Port of Reykjavik Infrastructure & Customs Guide →
Port of Hafnarfjörður (Hafnarfjarðarhöfn) ISHAF
Major industrial and container handling seaport located 10 km south of Reykjavik. Provides sheltered deep-water berths, breakbulk handling, and secondary container distribution for southwestern Iceland.
Region: Southwestern Iceland / Faxaflói • Role: Industrial & commercial secondary maritime port
Port of Akureyri (Akureyrarhöfn) ISAKU
Primary maritime cargo gateway for northern Iceland (Eyjafjörður), handling direct coastal container feeder calls and regional goods distribution for northern commercial retailers.
Region: Norðurland eystra / Northern Iceland • Terminal: Krossanes Cargo Terminal

Major International Airports (Air Cargo Gateways)

High-value fashion apparel, corporate showroom samples, urgent winter outdoor gear capsules, and seasonal collection top-ups fly directly between Philippine airports and Icelandic air cargo facilities.

Davao Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) DVO / RPMD
Primary air cargo facility for Southern Mindanao. Features regular widebody domestic flights feeding Manila (MNL) for consolidated international air waybills connecting directly to Iceland.
Location: Davao City / Mindanao • Connections: Domestic feeder flights to MNL
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA / MNL) MNL / RPLL
National air cargo terminal in Metro Manila. Connects air freight consignments to Iceland via leading European and Middle Eastern cargo hubs: Frankfurt (Lufthansa Cargo), Amsterdam, London Heathrow, and Copenhagen.
Location: Metro Manila • Airlines: Icelandair Cargo partners, Lufthansa, SAS Cargo
Clark International Airport (CRK) CRK / RPLC
Major express freight hub hosting dedicated international integrator facilities (FedEx, UPS, DHL). Features 24/7 dedicated freighter ramp handling and rapid customs clearance for Northern Luzon.
Location: Clark Freeport Zone / Pampanga • Integrators: FedEx, DHL, UPS global hubs
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).
Location: Lapu-Lapu City / Cebu • Coverage: Central Visayas export zones

Keflavik International Airport (Keflavíkurflugvöllur) KEF / BIKF
Iceland's principal international airport, handling more than 90% of the nation's air freight at dedicated cargo facilities (including the modern Icelandair Cargo Hub and DHL / FedEx handling centers). Located 50 km southwest of Reykjavik along Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut) with 24/7 automated customs processing by Skatturinn.
Region: Suðurnes / Reykjanes Peninsula • Terminal: Icelandair Cargo Hub & Freight Terminal
View Keflavik International Airport Cargo & Customs Guide →
Reykjavik Airport (Reykjavíkurflugvöllur) RKV / BIRK
Centrally located domestic airport in the heart of the capital city, coordinating domestic onward air cargo transfers to Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, and Ísafjörður.
Region: Reykjavik City Center • Role: Domestic air cargo distribution hub

Philippines to Iceland Freight Planning Summary

Ocean Freight (FCL / LCL) Davao (DICT) or Manila (MICT) via Suez Canal and European transshipment hubs (Rotterdam, Hamburg) connecting onto Eimskip or Samskip feeders to Port of Reykjavik (Sundahöfn). Total transit: 30 to 42 days port to port.

Direct / Connecting Air Cargo Manila (MNL) connecting into Keflavik International Airport (KEF) via Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Copenhagen. Total transit: 2 to 4 days airport to airport.

Express Integrator Flights Clark (CRK) or Manila (MNL) connecting via DHL Express or FedEx into Keflavik KEF. Total transit: 3 to 5 business days.

Door to Door Express Courier Expedited international courier service for showroom fit samples, pre-production size runs, and boutique orders. Total transit: 3 to 5 business days.

Landed-cost & Trade Framework for Iceland

A reliable landed-cost estimate needs the final garment specification, quantity, packing dimensions, HS classification, Incoterm, destination, and delivery mode.

Trade Framework: Philippines to European Free Trade Association (PH-EFTA) Free Trade Agreement
Duty & Customs Guide: Under the PH-EFTA Free Trade Agreement (in force since 2018), qualifying apparel manufactured in the Philippines enters Iceland at 0% preferential customs tariff rates (eliminating customs duties entirely) when accompanied by an approved Origin Declaration on the commercial invoice or an official EUR.1 Movement Certificate issued by the Philippine Bureau of Customs. Standard Icelandic Value Added Tax (VSK : Virðisaukaskattur) applies at 24% on the customs CIF value (cost of goods, freight, and insurance) plus customs processing charges. Registered Icelandic business importers account for import VAT through their periodic VAT returns with the Directorate of Internal Revenue (Skatturinn). Customs declarations are lodged electronically through the Tollur automated customs clearance system. Importers must hold a valid Icelandic Identification Number (Kennitala) and VAT number (VSK-númer).
Recommended Fabrics: Heavyweight 200 to 240 GSM ring-spun combed cotton t-shirts, premium 350 to 420 GSM brushed fleece and French terry hoodies for sub-Arctic weather, thermal wool-cotton blends, moisture-wicking synthetic baselayers, and OEKO-TEX certified reactive dyes.
Destination currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK) / Commercial invoicing in EUR or USD
Freight variables: Chargeable weight or cubic volume ratio, ocean bunker fuel adjustments, terminal handling charges (THC at Sundahöfn), North Atlantic feeder surcharges, Tollur customs brokerage, and local road transport across the capital region or Ring Road.

Compliance checkpoints for Iceland

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.

Consumer Agency of Iceland (Neytendastofa) textile labelling regulations requiring clear fiber composition in Icelandic or English (Efnainnihald : e.g., Bómull, Ull, Pólýester, Elastan)
Permanent country of origin labelling: Framleitt á Filippseyjum or Made in the Philippines
EEA and Environment Agency of Iceland (Umhverfisstofnun) compliance with EU REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 restricting azo dyes, nickel release in zippers and buttons, phthalates, and PFAS chemicals
Product safety and children's apparel cords and drawstrings safety standards (ÍST EN 14682)
Packaging recycling waste compliance with the Icelandic Recycling Fund (Úrvinnslusjóður)

HS classification starting points

Most apparel begins in Chapter 61 or 62. Fiber composition, knit versus woven construction, gender, garment type, and intended use determine the final tariff line.

HS Chapter 61: knitted or crocheted apparel (T-shirts 6109, polo shirts 6105/6106, heavyweight hoodies and sweatshirts 6110, thermal underwear)
HS Chapter 62: woven apparel (trousers, corporate shirts, jackets, outerwear, workwear)
Confirm the exact 8-digit Icelandic customs tariff code (Tollskrá) with a licensed Icelandic customs broker via Tollur

Documents commonly prepared

Document requirements vary by buyer, carrier, bank, customs authority, and trade arrangement.

01Commercial invoice (Reikningur)Seller details, buyer Icelandic Kennitala and VSK-númer, itemized apparel breakdowns in Icelandic/English, quantities, unit values, currency (EUR/USD), Incoterm, and EFTA origin statement.
02Packing list (Pakkalisti)Carton breakdown, individual polybag breakdowns, size ratios, net and gross weight, and cubic meter measurements.
03Transport documentOriginal Ocean Bill of Lading, Sea Waybill (Eimskip/Samskip), or Master Air Waybill (AWB) issued for the shipment.
04PH-EFTA Preferential Origin DocumentOfficial Origin Declaration by an Approved Exporter on the commercial invoice or EUR.1 Movement Certificate declaring Philippine origin for 0% duty entry.

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 OEM/ODM production; blank-stock MOQs depend on brand, color, and size mix
Production lead time: 3 to 6 weeks after sample, artwork, and tech pack approval; shipping time is additional
Typical payment structure: International bank transfer (SWIFT T/T in EUR or USD); documentary collection or irrevocable letter of credit (L/C at sight) through Icelandic commercial banks for qualifying wholesale consignments. View complete terms in our Modes of Payment Guide and T/T Payment Guide.

Importing from the Philippines to Iceland: FAQ

Answers for early-stage sourcing. Your quotation will state the commercial terms that apply to the actual order.

Which seaports in the Philippines and Iceland handle apparel shipments?

In the Philippines, cargo departs from Davao International Container Port (DICT) in Mindanao for southern manufacturing, as well as the Port of Manila (MICT and South Harbor), Cebu International Port (CIP), and Subic Bay. In Iceland, containerized ocean shipments arrive at the Port of Reykjavik (Sundahöfn Container Terminal operated by Eimskip and Samskip, handling over 85% of Icelandic container imports) and the Port of Hafnarfjörður.

Which airports handle air freight shipments between the Philippines and Iceland?

Air cargo departs from Davao Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA / MNL), Clark International Airport (CRK), and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB). Cargo arrives in Iceland at Keflavik International Airport (KEF, handling more than 90% of Iceland's international air cargo with 24/7 Skatturinn customs clearance).

Can Philippine apparel enter Iceland duty-free under the PH-EFTA FTA?

Yes. Under the Philippines to EFTA Free Trade Agreement (PH-EFTA FTA), qualifying apparel manufactured in the Philippines enters Iceland at 0% preferential customs tariff rates when accompanied by an approved Origin Declaration on the invoice or an official EUR.1 Movement Certificate. Standard Icelandic Value Added Tax (VSK) of 24% applies to the CIF customs value, accounted for by VAT-registered Icelandic importers.

What is the minimum order quantity for shipping apparel to Iceland?

Our minimum order is 50 pieces per design for custom OEM/ODM apparel production; blank-stock order minimums depend on brand, color, and size mix.

How long does shipping from the Philippines to Iceland take?

The planning estimate for ocean container shipping is 30 to 42 days port to port from Davao or Manila via Northern European feeder transshipment into the Port of Reykjavik (Sundahöfn). Air cargo connecting through international airline hubs takes 2 to 4 days airport to airport. Express couriers deliver in 3 to 5 business days door to door. Garment production takes 3 to 6 weeks after sample approval.

Can PHShirt provide Icelandic-compliant care labels and packaging?

Yes. OEM/ODM orders can include Icelandic language care labels conforming to Neytendastofa regulations (Efnainnihald : e.g., Bómull, Ull, Pólýester, Elastan), permanent Framleitt á Filippseyjum / Made in the Philippines origin markings, buyer brand neck tags, custom hangtags, and individual barcode polybags.

Which Incoterms and currencies can be quoted for Iceland?

PHShirt can quote common Incoterms 2020 rules such as EXW, FCA, FOB (Manila, Davao DICT, or Cebu), CFR, or CIF (Port of Reykjavik Sundahöfn). Invoices can be denominated and settled in Euro (EUR) or US Dollars (USD) via SWIFT bank transfer (T/T), Letter of Credit (L/C), or international cards as outlined in our Modes of Payment Guide.

Discuss a shipment to Iceland

Send your garment type, quantity, sizes, decoration method, target delivery date, and destination Icelandic port or city.

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Reference sources

Last reviewed: 2026-09-01. Requirements change: verify current rules before contracting freight or producing labels.