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Consolidated balikbayan (personal items) boxes tagged abandoned will be exempted from 100% physical inspection
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Instead, these shipments will undergo mandatory non-intrusive inspection and 10% physical examination, as well as BOC’s trace detection system scanning
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Only when irregularity appears in the scanned image or an alert about the shipment is received that 100% physical examination will be made
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has exempted abandoned balikbayan (personal items) boxes from 100% physical inspection.
BOC said these shipments will instead undergo the mandatory non-intrusive inspection and 10% physical examination, as well as its trace detection system scanning.
Only if there is an irregularity in the scanned image or if an alert about the shipment is received will the BOC subject the box to 100% physical examination, Acting Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz said in OCOM Memo No. 102-2022 dated August 22.
Ruiz said one reason being cited for delays in clearing balikbayan boxes sent through cargo forwarders or deconsolidators accredited by the Department of Trade and Industry-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau is BOC’s requirement for 100% physical examination of all shipments requested for untagging/lifting of abandonment status in the Electronic-to-Mobile System.
Without a 100% physical examination during the cargo clearance process, BOC would not release tagged or abandoned boxes.
The new policy of doing way with 100% examination recognizes the hard work of overseas Filipino workers and other Filipinos abroad, Ruiz said as he noted that sending balikbayan boxes “is a big part of the Filipino culture.”
The policy is also part of BOC’s social responsibility and to have an effective balance between trade facilitation and border protection.
Relatedly, BOC has also been coordinating with the Door-to-Door Consolidators Association of the Philippines for the delivery of abandoned balikbayan boxes to their claimants, particularly those that were not delivered to recipients due to past COVID-related lockdowns.
RELATED READ: Delivery of CMG-abandoned balikbayan boxes starts August
