Started in the the 1980s, balikbayan boxes are duty and tax free packages of personal effects or pasalubongs sent by Filipinos residing or working abroad to families in the Philippines for purposes of preserving strong family ties.

A C C O R D I N G T O T H E L A W :

• The contents of a balikbayan box must not exceed P10,000.00 in value.

• Only the importation of personal and household effects belonging to residents of the Philippines returning from abroad are exempt from duties, provided that they are accompanied by the returning resident.

• OFWs are allowed to send 1 balikbayan box per month.

A C C O R D I N G T O T H E L A W :

• Canned goods, grocery items and other household effects must not exceed a dozen a kind, while apparels whether used or new must not exceed 3 yards per cut. Only one (1) consignment per sender during a one-month period is allowed.

• Also banned and/or regulated firearms and ammunitions, prohibited drugs, etc.

SHIPPING PROCESS:

Arrastre charges payments to arrastre operators

SHIPPING PROCESS:

Arrastre charges payments to arrastre operators

Truck-mounted X-ray inspection at the Port of Discharge Designated Stations

(If after inspection, no derogatory image/suspect)

SHIPPING PROCESS:

Arrastre charges payments to arrastre operators

Truck-mounted X-ray inspection at the Port of Discharge Designated Stations

(If after inspection, no derogatory image/suspect)

Delivery to forwarder’s warehouse

SHIPPING PROCESS:

Arrastre charges payments to arrastre operators

Truck-mounted X-ray inspection at the Port of Discharge Designated Stations

(If after inspection, no derogatory image/suspect)

Delivery to forwarder’s warehouse Distribution to recipients

SHIPPING PROCESS:

Container1

Standard-sized balikbayan boxes

440=

Container1

Standard-sized balikbayan boxes

440=

Month1

Containers with balikbayan boxes enter the country

1,500=

Container1

Standard-sized balikbayan boxes

440=

Month1

Containers with balikbayan boxes enter the country

1,500= Containers

per year

18,000=

Mr. Danilo Pineda, Filipino was arrested by the combined elements of Bureau of Customs, PDEA and PNP-AIDSOFT for importing 38.65 kilograms of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, locally known as “Shabu” concealed in a water tank

E X A M P L E 1

One Thousand Three Hundred Sixty (1,360) pieces of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy was intercepted at Philippine Postal and the consignee was arrested by the combined elements of the Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force (CAIDTF) and PDEA

E X A M P L E 2

ARREST OF MS. MARY JOY CORPUS SORIANO, FILIPINO CITIZEN, FOR SMUGGLING OF 2.00 KGS. OF LIQUID COCAINE AT NAIA TERMINAL I

E X A M P L E 3

Declared as Food Supplement but found to contain Date-Rape Drugs (ALPRAZOLAM).

E X A M P L E 4

Confiscated Methamphetamine.

E X A M P L E 5

Interception of Personal Effects declared as 2 pcs. T-Shirts, 3 pcs. Bike Sitpost, 5 pcs.Caliper Spring, and 1 pc. Blouse but found to contain 3 pcs. Rainer Arms (.56) and 1 pc. Kreiger (5.56).223 Wylde.

E X A M P L E 6

E X A M P L E 7

111 PCS. ARMALITE MAGAZINES (M-16)

E X A M P L E 8

438 BOXES HOUSEHOLD GOODS & 9 BOXES MIXED WITH STEEL FRAME GUN PARTS & BOTTLES OF NUTRITION/PROTEIN ISOLATE POWDER

E X A M P L E 9

20 BOXES ASSORTED MEDICINES

E X A M P L E 1 0

1 UNIT USED HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE 1 UNIT USED MOTORCYCLE ENGINE

E X A M P L E 1 1

1 UNIT HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE WITH STANDARD ACCESSORIES

E X A M P L E 1 2

141 PIECES WRISTWATCHES OF VARIOUS BRANDS

E X A M P L E 1 3

Scanned Image

9 UNITS SONY VAIO LAPTOPS

E X A M P L E 1 4

Scanned Image

1 KIT PHANTOM 2 DLSR PROS AERIAL DRONE QUADCOPTER SYSTEM

E X A M P L E 1 5

Scanned Image

26 PIECES PRADA LADIES HAND-BAGS

E X A M P L E 1 6

Scanned Image

RIFLE SCOPE (FIREARMS ACCESSORIES)

E X A M P L E 1 7

Scanned Image

MOVING FORWARD:

• Shipments containing balikbayan boxes will undergo mandatory x-ray examination. If Customs finds derogatory findings in the x-ray examination, then the container van will be opened so boxes can be individually scanned through smaller x-rays. Only then will a physical inspection be considered.

• Through emergency procurement, we are in the process of identifying how many K9 units the agency needs to cover all airports and seaports. To make sure smuggling is curbed, we will require independent K9 units such as PDEA and PCG. Leasing K9 units is also being considered.

MOVING FORWARD:

• We have procured 200+ additional CCTV cameras and already in the post qualification stage.

MOVING FORWARD:

• In the event of a physical inspection, there will be an OWWA representative and/or designated OFW association to be present to witness the inspection. In fact, BOC will be holding a dialogue with OFW representatives so they are well-represented in the new directives of the president, such as access within the Bureau.

MOVING FORWARD:

• We also urge our colleagues in government to prioritize the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) pending in Congress so we can harmonize, modernize and simplify our Customs procedures, superseding policies and procedures that have not been updated as far back as 1957.

MOVING FORWARD: