HERE’S a set of advice from the Department of Trade (DTI) for families and their relatives overseas that plan to send balikbayan boxes full of goodies, on how to safeguard these.

1. The following items should not be included in the box: currencies, checks, money orders and travellers checks, jewelries, firearms, ammunitions and explosives, drugs and other prohibited substances, pornographic materials, gambling cards and toy guns, pirated products i.e. cd tapes, etc.
2. Ship boxes only with DTIs Business Licensing and Accreditation Division (BLAD, formerly the Philippine Shippers Bureau) accredited sea cargo consolidator/freight forwarder companies. Visit dti.gov.ph for the list of accredited and blacklisted freight forwarders.
3. Declare your shipment by accomplishing a detailed packing list stating all the contents of your box and other important information.
   
4. Secure transport documents such as cargo receipt, Bill of Lading and other proof of transaction.
5. Get the name and contact details of the forwarder’s agent in the Philippines.
6. Monitor the movement of your cargo. Inquire for a tracking scheme or continuously contact the forwarding company for detailed information on the status of the cargo.
7. Inform your consignee to check cargo with the Philippine agent even before it arrives. When it does make sure to inspect the seal and wrapping of the box before signing the receipt of delivery. If you feel it has been tampered, do not receive the box and ask the delivery agent to have it double-checked.

If you encountered pilferage or lost item, much worst non-delivery; file an immediate claim or complaint with the freight forwarder’s customer service. You may also lodge your complaint directly to the Business Licensing and Accreditation Division (BLAD, formerly the Philippine Shippers Bureau) with e-mail fteb_blad@dti.gov.ph.

 

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