Why foreign health brands use a licensed importer of record instead of setting up their own Philippine company, and what the role covers.
An importer of record is the Philippine company legally responsible for bringing goods into the country: it holds the required licenses, files the customs entry and is accountable for compliance. For regulated health products it must hold a Philippine FDA License to Operate. Foreign brands use a licensed importer of record such as Vita Max Prime so they can sell without forming their own Philippine entity.
| Set up your own entity | Use a licensed importer of record | |
|---|---|---|
| Company setup | Required before licensing | Not required |
| FDA License to Operate | You apply and maintain it | Already held by the importer |
| Time to first shipment | Longer | Shorter: registration can start at once |
| Ongoing overhead | Staff, office, compliance | Shared through the partner |
| Best for | Large, long-term commitments with local teams | Market entry, testing and scaling without fixed costs |
An importer of record is the Philippine company legally responsible for importing goods: it holds the licenses, files the customs entry, pays duties and answers for compliance. For health products it must hold a Philippine FDA License to Operate.
No. A foreign brand can work through a licensed importer of record. Vita Max Prime acts as importer of record for its partner brands, so they can sell without forming a Philippine entity.
Product registrations are usually filed through the licensed importer. Agree in writing who holds them and how they transfer if the partnership ends.
Not always. An importer of record handles the legal import; a distributor sells the goods on. Vita Max Prime does both, plus online channel management and fulfillment.
Tell us what you want to import. We confirm the license fit and outline the route to market.