Rice/corn milling
This sub-class covers the milling of rice and corn, including various forms of processed rice.
Includes
- Rice milling, including husked, milled, polished, glazed, parboiled, or converted rice
- Production of rice flour
- Corn milling
Foreign ownership
Foreign equity in this activity is capped at 40% under the Negative List. A local corporation with structured local control is the usual route to the local market.
Legal basis: FINL A.20 · Section 5 of PD No. 1994
Recommended route
Local corporation, structured control
Foreign equity up to 40%, with a structured local-control arrangement
Joint venture
A Filipino partner holds the balance above the 40% ceiling
Entity types
Which structure fits depends on your goal. Rows that suit this activity are highlighted. Open a row for the full detail.
| Structure | 100% foreign | Sell locally | No PH partner | No capital floor | No entity | Min. capital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic corporation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | USD 200k |
| One Person Corporation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | USD 200k |
| Branch office | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | USD 200k |
| Representative officeFits | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | USD 30k |
| Local corporation, minority foreignFits | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ | Lower / none |
| Employer of RecordFits | – | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | None |
| Product holdingFits | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | None |
Registration path
- 1
SEC
Incorporate the entity
- 2
BIR
Tax registration and books
- 3
LGU
Barangay clearance and Mayor’s permit
- 4
Regulator
Sector license, if the activity needs one
Emerhub files each step with the government; you provide the documents and information.
Minimum paid-up capital
| Situation | USD | PHP |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic-market enterprise (>40% foreign)Paid-up capital for foreign equity above 40% serving the local market. Legal basis: FIA (RA 7042 as amended). | $200,000 | ≈ ₱11.4M |
| Reduced thresholdAt least 50 direct employees, or advanced technology. Legal basis: FIA (RA 7042 as amended). | $100,000 | ≈ ₱5.7M |
| Export enterpriseExports at least 60% of output. Legal basis: Corporation Code (RA 11232). | ≈ $88 | ₱5,000 |
| Retail trade enterpriseMinimum paid-up capital for foreign retail. Legal basis: RA 11595. | ≈ $439k | ₱25,000,000 |
Bold is the figure the law sets; the other column is an approximate conversion at ₱57 to USD 1.
Licenses & product holding
Alongside SEC incorporation, this activity needs the following regulatory license or product registration before it can legally operate in the Philippines.
- FDA - product & establishment license
FDA License to Operate (LTO) + Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) - Processed Food
Manufacturing processed food requires an FDA License to Operate (LTO) as a food business operator, plus a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) or notification for each product before it can be sold, under the Food Safety Act of 2013 (RA 10611) and the FDA Act of 2009 (RA 9711). The LTO/CPR holder must be a Philippine-registered entity.
Emerhub can hold this registration for you.