Taking body armour out of Philippines
Body armour is a dual-use controlled good; export from Philippines above civilian protection levels requires authorisation.
Details
Ballistic vests and plates appear on dual-use export-control lists in every covered jurisdiction — typically controlled above NIJ Level IIIA / soft-armour civilian grades, with military-grade hard plates requiring an export licence from Philippines. Several destinations also restrict body-armour import or civilian possession outright. Travellers carrying armour for legitimate work (journalism, NGO, security) should carry employer documentation and verify both export-licence requirements and destination-side possession rules before travel.
Quantity limits
Civilian-grade soft armour generally personal-use; military-grade requires export licence
Documentation required
- Employer/assignment letter for professional users
- Export licence for above-civilian-grade armour
The other direction
Bringing body armour into Philippines(prohibited)