FAQ

Q: Who should use the Information Sheet?

ALL Balikbayan Box senders must use the Information Sheet, even if they do not avail of the duty and tax exemption privilege. (Contrary to initial announcement)

Q: How many sets of 5-page Information Sheets are needed, and for whom/where are they?

5 sets of 5-page Information Sheets are required. One for the sender, one for the Principal/Consolidator, one for the Agent/Deconsolidator, one for Customs, and one attached to the box.

Q: What should be included in the Information Sheet? And can the information included in it be computerized?

It can be computerized, but the signature must be handwritten. The description/name and exact number of each item contained in the box must be entered individually.

Q: What value should be entered if the contents of the box are only Giveaways, old items, or gifts?

Only enter an estimated value. What do you think the item is worth second hand?

Q: When is it necessary to submit a photocopy of the Philippine Passport?

A photocopy of the Philippine Passport is only required if an OFW will avail of the duty and tax exemption privilege for baggage valued at more than Php 10,000.00 and less than Php 150,000.00.

Q: When is it necessary to submit a Receipt for Item/s?

Receipt is required for items that are brand new and worth more than Php 10,000.00 each. Receipt is not required if the contents of the box are 2nd hand, Used, or just given away (Contrary to what is stated in the Information Sheet)

Q: What is De Minimis type of Availment?

This means that the cost of each box being sent is only Php 10,000.00 or less.

Q: What if the sender is not Filipino?

You can still send a box under the De Minimis value Type of Availment.

Q: How many boxes can each sender send to each consignee?

Each sender may send any number of boxes (not exceeding 0.20 cbm in size per box) per shipment if you are availing the duty and tax exemption privilege. A maximum of three (3) shipments per year in separate shipments only are allowed, and the total value for the entire year does not exceed Php 150,000.00. If the contents of the box are De Minimis or less than Php 10,000.00, any number of boxes are allowed throughout the year, as long as only one per shipment.

Q: What are the items that can be placed in the Balikbayan Box and how many of each item can be placed?

For consumable items, only up to 20 of each type. For non-consumable items, only up to 5. For alcohol, only up to 1.9 liters. For cigarettes, only one rim.

For Consolidators:

Q: ETA MANILA is August 1, 2017. Should we have an Information Sheet attached to each box and submit it?

It is possible, but not necessary. The August 1 mentioned is the Pick-up date. For example, if the box was picked up from the sender on August 1, the Information Sheet should be used and the new Customs policy should be followed. Upon the arrival of the shipment in the Philippines after 1 week to 45 days of sea travel, only then will Customs implement the non-release of the container that does not comply with the new implementation. It should be ensured that everything that was picked up on August 1 has an Information Sheet. (Contrary to what was initially announced)

Q: On the Bill of Lading, should the description be changed to PERSONAL GOODS?

Yes. Must be made a CONSOLIDATED BALIKBAYAN SHIPMENT

Q: Which page of the Information Sheet must be filled out by the Sender, Consolidator and Deconsolidator?

Pages 1-2 must be completed by the Sender, page 3 must be completed by the Consolidator, and page 5 for the Deconsolidator.

Q: Why is the name of the Philippine Agent not on the list of BOC-Registered Balikbayan Box Deconsolidators? And why are there only 11 registered?

Because the BOC is not yet finished checking the documents of hundreds of forwarders. According to them, only one person is doing this in their office, so they are asking everyone to wait until they are finished.

Q: What is the Balikbayan Box Privilege and who can avail it?

Resident Filipinos, OFWs, and Non-Resident Filipinos with Philippine Passports may avail this for the purpose of sending Balikbayan Boxes with a value of more than Php 10,000.00 and not exceeding Php 150,000.00 to their relatives (PARENT, CHILD, SPOUSE, BROTHER, SISTER, AUNT, UNCLE, GRANDPARENT, NIECE, NEPHEW, GRAND CHILD, GREAT GRAND PARENT, FIRST COUSIN, GRAND NEPHEW/NIECE)

NOTE: This is still SUBJECT TO CHANGE, depending on the Bureau of Customs.