Fees waived for unclaimed ‘balikbayan’ boxes
More than 100 “balikbayan” boxes sent by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to their families can finally be claimed by their intended recipients after the government waived the corresponding fees and duties for their release.
In his speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Tuesday, President Marcos announced that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) had started distributing the contents of abandoned container vans, including 130 balikbayan boxes, to their “rightful owners.”
According to Mr. Marcos, the balikbayan boxes were sent by OFWs to their families, but since the consignees did not pay the appropriate duties and taxes, they failed to claim these.
As a result, the 130 balikbayan boxes were left unattended, with some staying in storage for almost a year at the BOC.
Stuck in storage
“We have now started the process of releasing and returning them, because these do not belong to the government. They belong to our OFWs,” the President said.
“We will make every effort—some of these were sent as Christmas gifts last year—so that at long last, we can try to ensure that the owners receive them before Christmas arrives again,” he added.
Qualified Filipinos, including OFWs, while still abroad may send balikbayan boxes without paying duties and taxes to the customs bureau.
Under Customs Administrative Order No. 01-2018, for qualified Filipinos to avail of the exemption, the value of the contents of the balikbayan boxes should not exceed P150,000. The items they send should also be limited to just personal and household effects.
In addition, the contents should not be in commercial quantities or intended for sale or trade.
The tax-free and duty-free privileges, however, may only be availed of by OFWs up to three times a year.
When the above conditions are not met and the allowable frequency for availing of the exemption is exceeded, the BOC shall collect the corresponding duties and taxes from the consignees before the balikbayan boxes can be released.
