Question & AnswerQ&A (CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 01-2018)
The CAO covers consolidated shipments of Balikbayan Boxes entered through any port of entry sent to families or relatives by Qualified Filipinos While Abroad. Boxes brought in through means other than consolidated shipments are covered by different CAOs.
They include Non-Resident Filipinos, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and Resident Filipinos temporarily staying abroad (e.g., holders of student visas, investors' visas, tourist visas).
Up to three (3) times per calendar year, with a total FCA value not exceeding Php150,000.
Only personal and household effects that are neither in commercial quantities nor intended for barter, sale, or hire are allowed.
Qualified Filipino senders must submit an accomplished Information Sheet with detailed shipper and consignee information, relationship, value and itemized list of contents, proof of citizenship or relevant foreign residency/employment documents, and invoices or receipts if available.
First offense: Php100,000 fine; second offense: Php200,000 fine; third offense: Php300,000 fine and cancellation of registration as Deconsolidator or Freight Forwarder acting as Deconsolidator.
A consolidated shipment refers to two or more shipments from two or more individual consignors/senders abroad, assembled at one origin point and shipped together under a single master ocean or air waybill by a consolidator to its deconsolidator in the Philippines.
The Deconsolidator must register with the Bureau, ensure senders provide necessary documents, transmit required data electronically before arrival, and establish a Customs Facility and Warehouse with CCTV and x-ray machines within one year of effectivity.
Shipments exceeding Php150,000 FCA value, shipments exceeding availment limits, commercial quantity goods, regulated commercial goods, donations, mixed containers, and shipments with non-compliant senders are excluded.
A processing charge of Php125.00 inclusive of customs documentary stamps and legal research fees is collected per House Bill of Lading/House Air Waybill.