Things You Need to Know About Sending Balikbayan Boxes to the Philippines

Balikbayan boxes, as the Bureau of Customs (BOC) defines, are packages of only personal and household effects Filipinos overseas sent to families or relatives they left back home. But more than just a box of goodies, these special packages are a physical representation of our countrymen’s selfless love, connecting families amidst years and miles of being apart. More than knowing the rates of sending balikbayan boxes to the Philippines, it is only important that you, as a sender or receiver, learn more about these packages by heart.





When did the balikbayan box trend started?

With the surge of Filipinos working in the United States in the 1980s, it sparked the culture of sending balikbayan boxes back to the country. This has since played a vital role among households with family members who are Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). 



Are balikbayan boxes duty & tax free?

Yes, these parcels are duty & tax free. Under RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), sending of balikbayan boxes to the Philippines with value not exceeding Php150,000 is exempted from payment of duties and taxes, valid up to three times in one calendar year. This is to “recognize the magnitude of the contribution of the overseas contract workers whose lonely sacrifices in foreign lands bring in a considerable amount of foreign exchange annually.”

However, not everyone is qualified and may be required to pay aside from the usual balikbayan box rates if conditions discussed below are not met. 



Who are qualified to send balikbayan boxes?

Pinoys considered as “qualified Filipinos while abroad” (QFWA) can enjoy the privileges of duty & tax free balikbayan boxes. This includes the following:

  • OFWs holding valid DFA-issued passports and certified by DOLE and POEA for overseas employment purposes regardless of profession. 
  • Non-resident Filipinos permanently residing overseas but retained Filipino citizenship. Resident Filipino citizens who temporarily stayed abroad holding tourist visa, investors’ visa, student visa, and similar visas.

(Image Source: Inquirer.net)

Who can receive a balikbayan box?

The Ultimate Recipient or Consignee must be a family or relative up to fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to enjoy the duty & tax free privileges of sending balikbayan boxes. 



What not to include in a balikbayan box?

Unfortunately, some individuals abuse the privileges of sending a balikbayan box. There have been records of using this special package to smuggle commercial items and contrabands. This can cause issues and delays as one prohibited item caught affects all the packages contained in one shipment. To avoid this, refrain from including the following in your box:
  • Alcohol/alcoholic drinks 
  • Automobile/motorcycle, parts or whole 
  • Ceramic tableware 
  • Cultural artifacts & pottery 
  • Defense articles or items with military or proliferation applications 
  • Drug paraphernalia (unless prescribed for medical conditions) 
  • Explosives, firearms (including parts) 
  • Jewelries 
  • Perishable food items 
  • Food stuff that are not in cans, sealed packages or bottles such as fruits & vegetables 
  • Pets, plants, seeds, soil 
  • Pirated products like CDs, DVDs 
  • Pornographic materials 
  • Products with dog or cat fur & other animal hides 
  • Used clothing of commercial quantity (ukay-ukay or in bales) 

Senders are required to place a detailed list of the contents of the box, including purchase receipts of brand new goods. It will be subject to x-rays and may only be opened in suspicion of prohibited items. In case of suspicion, the box should only be opened in the presence of authorized representative and the recipient of the box according to Customs Memorandum Order 27-2015.


Thanks to the selfless efforts of our OFWs, families are able to enjoy a more comfortable life in the Philippines. Not only households but the entire economy of the country benefits from their sacrifices. It is only but important that the QFWAs enjoy simple perks to ease their loneliness abroad.


Now, you don’t have to worry about excessive duty and tax charges. You only have to pay for the meager balikbayan box rates to send your hugs and kisses to your family in the Philippines.





References
  1. https://www.rappler.com/move-ph/balikbayan/identity/155405-balikbayan-boxes-things-to-know
  2. http://www.wheninmanila.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-tax-free-balikbayan-boxes/
  3. https://www.balikbayad.ph/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-balikbayan-box-and-the-real-story-behind-it/
  4. https://www.pinoy-ofw.com/news/35675-8-top-things-you-need-to-know-before-you-pack-your-balikbayan-box.html
  5. https://globalnation.inquirer.net/150496/qualified-filipinos-abroad-may-send-tax-free-balikbayan-boxes-soon



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