For years now, many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been sending balikbayan boxes to the country. In this light, here’s a guide to what they can’t send.
“Senders should keep in mind that since the shipping of a balikbayan box is consolidated, it means that one prohibited item caught will affect ALL the packages inside the shipping container. In the past, a lot of individuals have abused the tax-free privilege by smuggling commercial items or contrabands,” reports Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe in Asian Journal.
That said, cargo companies, as well as US and Philippine Customs offices always inform senders not to send the following prohibited items:
- Alcohol/alcoholic drinks
- Automobile/motorcycle, parts or whole
- Ceramic tableware
- Cultural artifacts and pottery
- Defense articles or items with military or proliferation applications
- Products containing dog or cat fur, as well as animal hide
- Drug paraphernalia (unless prescribed for medical conditions)
- Firearms, explosives (including parts)
- Cheese, meat, fruits and vegetables (unless canned)
- Pets, plants, seeds, soil
- Used clothing of commercial quantity (ukay-ukay or in bales)
- Pornographic materials
- Fluids and perishable food items
The report added, “Please check with your trusted balikbayan cargo company for other items that may not be on the list.”
Reader Interactions