What is not allowed in balikbayan boxes?

Firearms, guns, gunpowder, ammunition and parts thereof. Explosives like firecrackers, bombs, grenades and dynamite. Flammable and poisonous gases or liquids. Any defense articles or items with military or proliferation applications.

What items are not allowed in balikbayan box?

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.

What are prohibited items to send to 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.

Balikbayan Box Prohibited Items

Can I put shampoo in balikbayan box?

Common acceptable items sent via air cargo: Any form of liquid such as toiletries (lotion, toothpaste, cream, shampoo) are acceptable within a maximum of 3 pieces as long as they are properly packed.

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.

Do customs check balikbayan box?

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.

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 items are not allowed in cargo?

Can I use duct tape in balikbayan box?

Seal the label (top & bottom) of the box with the proper/strong packing tape. AVOID using DUCT TAPE as it will run over all at the same.

What kinds of cargo would not normally be shipped in containers?

Break bulk cargo are goods that must be loaded individually and not in shipping containers nor in bulk, as with oil or grain. Ships that carry this sort of cargo are often called general cargo ships.

What happens if you ship prohibited items?

If an item is prohibited, it means it is strictly not allowed to be shipped by the USPS. Service will automatically be denied if your shipment's contents are prohibited.

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.

What products Cannot be shipped?

What items Cannot be mailed internationally?

Can customs check your phone?

Unlike other law enforcement, border authorities don't need a warrant to search your device. They may conduct a basic search — in which they scroll through your device inspecting texts, photos or anything else they can easily access — even if they don't suspect you of wrongdoing.

What is good to put in balikbayan box?

The balikbayan box is a big part of the culture of OFW families and Filipinos abroad. Often, these boxes are full of gifts for each member of the family. They may be full of popular brands of shoes, educational toys, stuffed toys, remote control cars, and even health supplements.

How long will it take to send balikbayan box to Philippines from USA?

The shipping of the Balikbayan boxes usually takes around 8 to 12 weeks depending on the season.

Does customs open your box?

No, customs officers will not open up your package or packages without good reason. Every package is put through a scanner machine, or an x-ray machine, to verify that the items you are shipping match your customs forms.

How much is 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.

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.

What is required for the customs to clear the cargo?

Filing Bill of Entry

The importer of the goods should file a bill of entry (customs copy) electronically for the clearance of the goods, before or on arrival of the goods. In the bill of entry, the duty and taxes to be paid is assessed by the importer himself and this is called self- assessment.

Are all packages scanned at customs?

Not every single parcel will be opened but some will be. Most will be X-rayed to ensure no banned or restricted items are contained in the package. There are several reasons that may cause your parcel to be delayed at customs.