Philippine apparel sourcing guide

Import apparel from the Philippines to Saudi Arabia

Buyers importing apparel from the Philippines to Saudi Arabia can source premium blank t-shirts, polo shirts, corporate uniforms, and custom OEM/ODM garments directly from PHShirt. We prepare commercial documentation for the agreed Incoterm and coordinate freight from the Philippines toward Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Khobar, Mecca, and Medina. Take advantage of established maritime container routes via Jeddah Islamic Port on the Red Sea and King Abdulaziz Port Dammam on the Arabian Gulf, automated single-window customs clearance through ZATCA FASAH, complete conformity certification on the SABER platform under SASO textile technical regulations, bilingual Arabic care labelling, and dedicated bilingual export account support.

Email export sales Message on WhatsApp Chat on Viber

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 Saudi Arabia

Apparel consignments from the Philippines to Saudi Arabia navigate direct Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea routes serving both coastlines of the Kingdom: Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port on the Red Sea (serving Western Saudi Arabia, Mecca, Medina, and inland distribution to Riyadh), and King Abdulaziz Port Dammam on the Arabian Gulf (serving the Eastern Province and connected by direct freight railway to the Riyadh Dry Port). For urgent corporate events, season launches, showroom samples, and retail replenishment, high-speed air cargo connects directly into King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah. 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 Saudi Arabia through state-of-the-art Red Sea and Arabian Gulf deep-water container complexes equipped with modern gantry cranes and automated customs gates.

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 directly to the Middle East and Red Sea via Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and COSCO.
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 Port Klang.
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

Jeddah Islamic Port (Mina'a Jiddah al-Islami) SAJED
Saudi Arabia's premier Red Sea maritime commercial hub, handling over 5 million TEUs annually across the Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) and DP World Jeddah (South Container Terminal). Strategically located on the global east-west shipping lane, serving as the principal maritime entry point for Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, and intermodal transport corridors to Riyadh.
Region: Makkah Province / Red Sea Coast • Terminals: RSGT & DP World Jeddah
King Abdulaziz Port Dammam (Mina'a al-Malik 'Abd al-'Aziz) SADMM
The Kingdom's primary commercial container port on the Arabian Gulf, operated by Saudi Global Ports (SGP / PSA). Features direct electrified railway links via the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) to the Riyadh Dry Port, enabling seamless inland container customs clearance directly in the capital city.
Region: Eastern Province / Arabian Gulf • Terminal: Saudi Global Ports (SGP)
King Abdullah Port (KAP / KAEC Rabigh) SAKAP
Pioneering privately owned deep-water container terminal (18-meter draft) located in King Abdullah Economic City north of Jeddah, designed for ultra-large container vessels and advanced logistics distribution.
Region: Makkah Province / KAEC • Terminal: King Abdullah Port Container Terminal
Jubail Commercial Port (Mina'a al-Jubayl) SAJUB
Modern container and industrial handling facility in the Eastern Province, supporting industrial enterprises and retail distribution networks across Jubail and Ras Al Khair.
Region: Eastern Province / Jubail • Role: Industrial & commercial container gateway

Major International Airports (Air Cargo Gateways)

High-value fashion apparel, corporate uniform rollouts, urgent Saudi National Day merchandise, and seasonal collection top-ups fly directly between Philippine airports and Saudi international air cargo hubs.

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 Saudi Arabia.
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 direct and one-stop widebody scheduled flights to the Kingdom via Saudia Cargo, Philippine Airlines, Emirates SkyCargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, and Gulf Air.
Location: Metro Manila • Airlines: Saudia Cargo, PAL, Emirates, Qatar Airways
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 Middle Eastern routes through transshipment via Singapore (SIN) and Hong Kong (HKG).
Location: Lapu-Lapu City / Cebu • Coverage: Central Visayas export zones

Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) RUH / OERK
Saudi Arabia's primary capital air cargo gateway, handling over 350,000 tons of air freight annually at the SAL Saudi Logistics Services terminal and the Special Integrated Logistics Zone (SILZ). Features 24/7 automated customs processing by ZATCA and direct expressway links across Riyadh.
Region: Riyadh Province / Central Region • Facility: SAL Cargo Terminal & Saudia Cargo Hub
Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) JED / OEJN
Major western international air cargo hub featuring Saudia Cargo's primary operational center, serving the Western Province, Mecca, Medina, and seasonal trade demands.
Region: Makkah Province / Western Region • Facility: King Abdulaziz Cargo Village (SAL)
Dammam King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) DMM / OEDF
Eastern Province commercial air cargo gateway handling express freight, corporate apparel, and industrial uniforms serving Dammam, Al Khobar, Dhahran, and the Aramco energy corridor.
Region: Eastern Province / Dammam • Role: Eastern Province air cargo terminal
Medina Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED) MED / OEMA
Regional international airport handling scheduled passenger bellyhold and express courier consignments for the holy city of Medina.
Region: Al Madinah Province • Role: Regional international air cargo gateway

Philippines to Saudi Arabia Freight Planning Summary

Ocean Freight (FCL / LCL) Davao (DICT) or Manila (MICT) directly across the Indian Ocean to Jeddah Islamic Port (Red Sea) or King Abdulaziz Port Dammam (Arabian Gulf). Total transit: 16 to 26 days port to port.

Direct / Connecting Air Cargo Manila (MNL) direct to Riyadh King Khalid (RUH) or Jeddah King Abdulaziz (JED) via Saudia Cargo or Philippine Airlines. Total transit: 1 to 3 days airport to airport.

Express Integrator Flights Clark (CRK) or Manila (MNL) connecting via DHL Aviation, FedEx Express, or SMSA Express into Saudi commercial hubs. Total transit: 2 to 4 business days.

Door to Door Express Courier DHL Express, FedEx, or Aramex expedited international courier for showroom fit samples, pre-production size runs, and boutique orders. Total transit: 3 to 5 business days.

Landed-cost & Trade Framework for Saudi Arabia

A reliable landed-cost estimate needs the final garment specification, quantity, packing dimensions, HS classification, Incoterm, destination, and delivery mode. Saudi Arabia calculates customs duties using the CIF method (Cost, Insurance, and Freight).

Trade Framework: GCC Customs Union & SASO / SABER Conformity Assessment Framework
Duty & Customs Guide: Under the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) unified tariff schedule, apparel imported into Saudi Arabia typically faces a standard customs duty of 5% on the CIF value (though certain specific apparel items may attract up to 12% national protective duty). Saudi Value Added Tax (VAT : ضريبة القيمة المضافة) applies at the standard rate of 15% on the CIF value plus customs duty. Customs clearance is executed through the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) national single-window platform known as FASAH (منصة فسح). Importers must be registered commercial entities holding an active Saudi Commercial Registration (CR : السجل التجاري) and tax identification number.
Recommended Fabrics: Lightweight 140 to 180 GSM ring-spun combed cotton t-shirts for warm climates, breathable cotton pique and poly-cotton polo shirts for corporate uniforms, UV-protective polyester activewear fabrics, and OEKO-TEX certified reactive dyes.
Destination currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR) pegged to USD at 3.75 SAR = 1 USD / Commercial invoicing in USD or SAR
Freight variables: Chargeable weight or cubic volume ratio, ocean bunker fuel surcharges, terminal handling charges (THC at Jeddah or Dammam), FASAH customs brokerage fees, SABER certification fees, and domestic road transport across the Kingdom.

Compliance checkpoints for Saudi Arabia

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.

Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) Technical Regulation for Textile Products (M.A. 164-18-05-02) compliance
Mandatory registration of apparel products on the Saudi SABER electronic platform (saber.sa) to obtain the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)
Bilingual Arabic and English textile care and fiber composition labelling (نسبة الألياف : e.g., 100% قطن / Cotton, بوليستر / Polyester, إيلاستين / Elastane)
Permanent country of origin marking: صنع في الفلبين or Made in the Philippines
Inclusion of the Saudi commercial importer name, Commercial Registration (CR) number, and registered trademark on retail packaging
Compliance with SASO chemical limits restricting azo dyes, formaldehyde, phthalates, and heavy metal content

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, hoodies 6110, athletic sportswear)
HS Chapter 62: woven apparel (trousers, corporate button-down shirts, modest outerwear, medical scrubs, industrial workwear)
Confirm the exact 12-digit Saudi Customs Integrated Tariff code via the ZATCA FASAH tariff portal

Documents commonly prepared

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

01Commercial invoiceSeller, buyer Saudi Commercial Registration (CR) and VAT numbers, garment line breakdowns in Arabic/English, unit values, currency (USD/SAR), and Incoterm.
02Packing listCarton breakdown, individual polybag breakdowns, size ratios, net and gross weight, and cubic meter measurements.
03Transport documentOriginal Ocean Bill of Lading, Sea Waybill, or Master Air Waybill (AWB) issued for the shipment.
04SABER Shipment Certificate (SCoC)Mandatory electronic shipment certificate issued through the SABER platform verifying SASO technical regulation conformity.
05Certificate of OriginOfficial Certificate of Origin legalized and issued by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry or relevant authority.

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 USD or SAR); documentary collection or irrevocable letter of credit (L/C at sight) through Saudi 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 Saudi Arabia: 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 Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia, containerized ocean shipments arrive primarily at Jeddah Islamic Port (RSGT and DP World terminals serving western regions and Red Sea transit) and King Abdulaziz Port Dammam (Saudi Global Ports terminal connected directly by rail to the Riyadh Dry Port).

Which airports handle air freight shipments between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia?

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 Saudi Arabia primarily at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH, the Kingdom's main air cargo hub with 24/7 ZATCA customs clearance) and Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED).

How does Saudi Arabia calculate import duties and VAT on clothing?

Saudi Arabia applies the GCC unified customs tariff, with apparel lines generally attracting a standard 5% customs duty on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value. Saudi Value Added Tax (VAT) applies at 15% on the customs CIF value plus duty. Clearance is filed electronically via the ZATCA FASAH platform.

What is SABER and do apparel imports require certification?

SABER is the Saudi online portal operated by SASO for conformity assessment. Textiles and apparel are regulated under the Technical Regulation for Textile Products (M.A. 164-18-05-02). Importers must obtain a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) through an accredited certification body and issue a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) in SABER before goods can be released by customs.

What is the minimum order quantity for shipping apparel to Saudi Arabia?

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 Saudi Arabia take?

The planning estimate for ocean container shipping is 16 to 26 days port to port from Davao or Manila across the direct Indian Ocean lane to Jeddah or Dammam. Air cargo connecting through direct flights or Gulf hubs takes 1 to 3 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 supply Arabic-compliant care labels and packaging?

Yes. OEM/ODM orders can include bilingual Arabic and English care labels conforming to SASO regulations (نسبة الألياف : e.g., قطن, بوليستر, إيلاستين), permanent صنع في الفلبين / Made in the Philippines origin markings, buyer brand neck tags, custom hangtags, and individual barcode polybags.

Which Incoterms and currencies can be quoted for Saudi Arabia?

PHShirt can quote common Incoterms 2020 rules such as EXW, FCA, FOB (Manila, Davao DICT, or Cebu), CFR, or CIF (Jeddah Islamic Port or King Abdulaziz Port Dammam). Invoices can be denominated and settled in US Dollars (USD) or Saudi Riyals (SAR) 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 Saudi Arabia

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

Email requirements WhatsApp sales Chat on Viber

Reference sources

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