2016-08-09
In response to complaints regarding the non-delivery of balikbayan boxes, the Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) wishes to inform the public that, in accordance with Customs Memorandum Order No. 79-90 of the Revised Rules and Regulations Governing the Entry of Non-Commercial Inbound Consolidation Shipments from Filipinos Abroad and based on Customs practices and procedures, once the cargo arrives in the Philippines, the local consolidator and courier shall file the necessary documents with the BOC. The BOC shall then assess the duties and taxes to be paid by the local consolidator or courier, after which, the goods shall be released and delivered by the local courier to the intended recipients. However, there are instances when the local consolidator does not pay the duties and taxes thereby causing the balikbayan boxes to remain unreleased and, therefore, undelivered.
To address the problem, the BOC is, thus, currently reviewing its existing procedures to ensure the timely release of packages to their intended recipients. The BOC likewise wishes to assure the public that it is exercising utmost care in handling these packages.