BOC issues new rules on balikbayan boxes
FAMILIES of balikbayans and OFWs in Pangasinan awaiting the delivery of balikbayan boxes have been advised by the Bureau of Customs’s new rule directed to district collectors and other customs officials regarding examination of the boxes.
The memorandum called attention to ‘alerted’ balikbayan boxes which are subject to 100% physical examination.
It said the boxes in question can only be opened in the presence of the consignee or his duly authorized representative.
If the consignee or representative cannot personally attend the inspection, a waiver from the owner of the shipment should be submitted.
‘Alerted’ balikbayan boxes are those passed through that x-ray machines and revealed presence of contrabands inside the boxes, i.e., explosives, firearms, and illegal drugs, etc. The new rule states these can only be opened only upon the written approval by the district collector of the port concerned and the presence of the consignee or his representative.
This latest memorandum follows the earlier policies regarding the ‘no opening of balikbayan box’ policy. Under this policy, balikbayan boxes shall not be subjected to random or arbitrary physical inspection, and instead shall only undergo mandatory x-ray scanning. In cases of shipments tagged “suspect” after x-ray scanner, the inspector shall recommend the issuance of an Alert Order.
This series of policies are intended to avoid cases of illegal smuggling through balikbayan boxes. An average of 1,000 containers of balikbayan boxes arrive in Philippine ports every month, and the government loses at least P50 million in revenue due to smuggling.
Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon reminds the public not to abuse the balikbayan box privilege.
For balikbayan box-related complaints and concerns, the public may forward them to the Bureau’s Customer Assistance and Response Services (BOC-CARES) at telephone number (02) 705-6000, email address boc.cares@customs.gov.ph, Twitter account @CustomsPH, and www.facebook.com/BureauOfCustomsPH.
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
