Philippines scrap export market at a glance
The Philippines generates around 1.1M MT/yr of recyclable metal scrap from urban demolition, telecom infrastructure turnover, and used lead-acid batteries (ULAB) from the ~14M vehicle parc. Roughly 38% is exported — mainly copper (HS 7404), aluminum (HS 7602), and lead battery scrap (HS 7802) — with primary destinations South Korea, Japan, India, and Malaysia.
Unlike Malaysia or Thailand, the Philippines is a net exporter of scrap: domestic smelting capacity is limited to a few Batangas and Bulacan plants. That makes it attractive for overseas buyers who want origin-side supply rather than transshipment.
Regulatory stack: DENR, BOC, and the ULAB rules
- DENR-EMB Import/Export Clearance — mandatory for all scrap under DAO 2013-22 (Hazardous Waste Management). Lead-acid batteries fall under Basel Annex VIII/A1160.
- BOC (Bureau of Customs) accreditation for the local exporter — takes 4–6 weeks for new entities.
- PCG (Coast Guard) clearance for hazardous cargo shipments from Manila South Harbor or Batangas.
- ULAB-specific: only DENR-registered TSD (treatment/storage/disposal) facilities may consolidate lead battery scrap for export. Random buyers cannot legally load ULAB containers.
Expect 10–15 business days for clearance on the first shipment; repeat lanes drop to 3–5 days.
Grades and 2026 pricing (FOB Manila)
| Material | ISRI / spec | HS | Q1 2026 FOB (USD/MT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare bright copper wire | Berry | 7404 | 8,480 |
| #1 copper (Candy) | Candy | 7404 | 8,120 |
| Insulated copper cable (mixed) | Druid | 7404 | 5,600 |
| Aluminum extrusion | Tense | 7602 | 2,290 |
| Whole ULAB (drained) | Rains/RINS | 7802 | 1,540 |
| Lead plates (formed) | RAINS | 7802 | 1,720 |
Copper prices track LME cash − 4% to − 20% depending on grade and moisture.
Ports and logistics
- Manila South Harbor (MICT/ATI) — 80% of scrap TEU volume. Congestion premium ~USD 120/TEU during Q4.
- Batangas Port — preferred for ULAB shipments; less congestion, closer to Bulacan/Cavite consolidation yards.
- Subic (SBITC) — best for shipments to Korea/Japan; slightly higher trucking cost from Metro Manila (~PHP 22,000/40HC).
Transit: Manila → Busan ~11 days; Manila → Mumbai (Nhava Sheva) ~18 days.
Buyer red flags in the Philippines scrap trade
- "Direct from demolition site" offers without a DENR TSD certificate — 90% never load.
- ULAB "drained" claims with no photos of the acid neutralization tank — Basel non-compliance risk.
- BOC accreditation number missing from the exporter's quote — reject immediately.
- Unrealistic Berry pricing (LME − 2% or better) — likely bait for advance TT scam.
Payment structure that works
For new relationships we recommend: 30% TT after SGS/CCIC pre-shipment, 70% against B/L copy + DENR export clearance scan. Full LC is possible with tier-1 exporters (Evergreen Metals, Filmetal) but adds 1.5–2% cost.
How TUSKO supports Philippines scrap buyers
We verify DENR/BOC accreditation, arrange third-party pre-shipment inspection at Cavite or Bulacan yards, and structure escrow payment so you never wire funds against a promise. Related: Malaysia Scrap Hub · SEA Non-Ferrous Scrap · Verify a Supplier · Talk to TUSKO.
FAQ
Q: Can I export ULAB directly to Europe from the Philippines? Only under Basel prior-informed-consent procedure with matching import permits from the destination country's competent authority. Most EU states restrict this — Korea/India are the realistic destinations.
Q: How long does DENR clearance take? First shipment: 10–15 business days. Repeat lanes with the same importer-exporter pair: 3–5 days.
Q: Is there an export tax on scrap from the Philippines? No export duty on HS 7404/7602/7802 as of 2026, but a 12% VAT applies (zero-rated for direct exports with proper documentation).
Q: What's the minimum viable trial order? 1×40HC (~24 MT copper or ~22 MT ULAB). Below that, DENR paperwork overhead makes unit economics unattractive.