What Cannot be sent in balikbayan box?

Gambling devices and apparatus, unless authorized by the Philippine Government shouldn't be sent in your balikbayan box. These include: Roulette wheels, gambling outfits, loaded dice, marked cards, machines, or apparatus.

What can you not ship to the Philippines?

What is not allowed in sea cargo?

There are also restrictions on items that are shipped by sea in an international move. Individual customers are not allowed to ship flammable items, weapons, drugs, pharmaceutical products, and cleaning products. Other items that are not allowed include perfumes, drinks, plants, and live animals.

Can I put cell phone in balikbayan box?

It is strongly advisable not to send any cell phones (mobile phones), laptops, gadgets and other electronic devices in the Balikbayan box. This is mainly due to the batteries of these items.

Can I send shampoo in balikbayan box?

Cosmetics and body products

There are specific personal care products that are unavailable for some Filipino families. So, put those baby lotions, moisturizers, hand creams, soaps, and shampoo in big containers in your balikbayan boxes.

Balikbayan Box Prohibited Items

What items are not allowed in cargo?

Do Balikbayan boxes go through customs?

Anyone can send Balikbayan Boxes to the Philippines, even Corporations, Partnerships and Sole Proprietors. But only a Qualified Filipino While Abroad¹ can avail of the tax and duty-free privilege of balikbayan boxes under Section 800 (g) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

What can I put in balikbayan box in USA?

From body products, baby lotions, and liquid items to flower vases, shoe racks, picture frames, and even kitchen utensils, there's a whole lot more to include inside your balikbayan box! For sure, there's a friend or relative that will appreciate your gifts!

Do they scan balikbayan box?

3.1 Balikbayan Boxes of OFWs shall not be subjected to random or arbitrary physical inspection. Instead they shall only undergo mandatory X-ray scanning.

Can I send jewelry in balikbayan box?

Based on the new policy, valuable new items (e.g. gadgets, jewellery, appliances, watches etc.) that are sent thru the Balikbayan box should need to be declared and supported with a receipt if it's brand new. The used items, groceries and less valuable new items (e.g everyday clothing, toiletries, chocolates etc.)

What things Cannot be shipped?

What are the Philippine customs Regulations for Balikbayan boxes?

Laws for sending a balikbayan box

According to the Bureau of Customs (BOC), for your balikbayan box to be tax or duty-free, you must be a Qualified Filipino and the total value of the items you send throughout the year should be less than Php 150,000. Anything in excess is subject to duty, VAT and excise tax.

Can I put gold in balikbayan box?

According to the Filipino Times, expats cannot put several banned items inside their Balikbayan box. Below is a list of those banned items. - Any item containing/purely made of gold, silver or other precious metals with no stamp indicating the fineness of the quality of the metals or alloys used.

What items need to be declared at customs Philippines?

Firearms and parts thereof, any types of replicas, explosives and ammunition. All plants, planting materials, fruits and vegetables, regardless of quantity, requires Import Permit/Authority to Import and needs to be declared upon arrival.

Can I send snacks to the Philippines?

Fresh or frozen unprocessed foods – including fresh fruits, frozen meat, fresh fish – even in quantities for personal use, may NOT be brought into or sent to the Philippines without the prior clearance from the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines.

Does customs inspect every package?

Does customs check every package? The short answer is yes. Customs checks all inbound international packages and mail. During this process, a customs officer in the country you're shipping to will review the package to make sure it meets the country's laws, regulations and policies.

How long does balikbayan box take from USA to Philippines?

A balikbayan box means “a box that returns to its home country.” This box contains various goods from overseas to be shipped to the Philippines. Shipping usually takes three months or more.

What are the privileges of a balikbayan?

The program allows visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one (1) year for foreign passport holders, with the exception of restricted nationals.

Does cargo go through customs?

Any cargo entering the U.S. from another country is subject to holds and exams by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to verify compliance with laws and regulations.

Can I put liquid in balikbayan box?

Avoid placing large liquid items (fabric conditioner, oil, liquid detergent inside your balikbayan box as accidetal spillage will ruin the entire box contents.

How do you pack lotion in balikbayan box?

Tape the top of all shampoo, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, and other plastic or glass containers that contain fluids. Place these items in separate seal-able bags to protect other items in case of a leak.

Does balikbayan box have weight limit?

While there is technically no weight limit to boxes, be aware that companies need to abide by OHS. Balikbayan box companies won't typically set a weight limit to the box, but Angelo shares that his company sets the maximum at 70 kilos.

How much tax do I pay on balikbayan box?

Contents in balikbayan boxes are exempt from taxes provided they don't exceed more than P150,000 in total value. 3. Declaration of goods is important because it is for the “protection” of the sender, to ensure that the parcel gets delivered.

How much does it cost to send balikbayan box from USA to Philippines?

Current rates per Large Box, picked up at your door and shipped to: Metro Manila – $110. Luzon – $110. Visayas – $110.

What are the requirements or rules in order for balikbayan boxes to be exempt from customs duties?