BOC Reiterates No Physical Inspection of Balikbayan Boxes

Image Caption: ‘KUARTA O KAHON’ – This scathing message written on a balikbayan box sent by an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Taiwan (lifted from a Facebook post that has gone viral) practically encapsulates the sentiment of Filipinos about plans by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to impose taxes on the iconic repatriate boxes that are exclusively identified with Filipinos sending home gifts and other personal effects from abroad. But for now, smiles – and not frowns – greet the arrival of these boxes at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) (main photo) ready for delivery to eager and yearning recipients. (Federico Cruz) mb.com.ph

 

by Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reiterated to the public that it no longer allows its personnel to conduct physical inspection of balikbayan boxes.

This announcement came after Senator Aquilino Pimentel III introduced Senate Bill 1168, or the Expanded Balikbayan Program, which seeks to mandate the “no-opening of balikbayan box” policy of the Bureau.

The policy has been the Bureau’s practice since the release of Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) 27-2015, which was signed on September 2, 2015. This CMO states that balikbayan boxes sent by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) shall not be subjected to random or arbitrary physical inspection, and instead shall only undergo mandatory x-ray scanning.

“Proper procedures are put in place. In cases of shipments tagged [as] ‘suspect’ after [passing through] an x-ray scanner, the inspector shall recommend the issuance of an Alert Order,” BOC said in a statement.

 

(Source: MB.com.ph)

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