Title
Duty Free Import Rules per BOC Admin Order 4-98
Law
Boc Administrative Order No. 4-98
Decision Date
Oct 6, 1998
BOC Administrative Order No. 4-98 establishes strict regulations for duty-free shopping, mandating the use of foreign currencies for purchases, prohibiting commercial sales, and implementing labeling requirements to prevent abuse of duty-free privileges while supporting currency stabilization.

Use of Foreign Currency for Duty Free Purchases

  • Only foreign currencies are allowed for the purchase of imported duty free goods at duty free shops.

Prohibition on Commercial Quantity Sales

  • Sale of duty free goods in commercial quantities is prohibited.

Mandatory Marking on Duty Free Goods

  • Imported duty free goods must be stamped with "NOT FOR RESALE, IMPORTED DUTY FREE".
  • Color-coded sprays must be applied on outer packaging and labels to indicate duty free origin.

Pricing and Reporting Currency for Duty Free Shops

  • Duty free shop operators must denominate all prices and sales reports in US dollars for monitoring purposes.

Limitations on Quantity of Duty Free Purchases

  • Qualitative restrictions are imposed on purchases. Any quantities exceeding these limits are considered commercial:
    • Fresh produce: maximum 10 kilos of each kind.
    • Canned/bottled consumable goods: maximum 1 box of each kind.
    • Wearing apparel and wearable items: maximum 12 pieces of each kind.
    • Non-wearable products (towels, bed linens, table covers, etc.): maximum 12 pieces of each kind.
    • Other consumer items (excluding light and heavy durables) valued under $200: maximum 12 pieces of each kind.

Color Coding and Labeling System

  • Duty free goods must have special permanent labels and color-coded paints on outer packaging and labels.
  • Different color codes are to be adopted by zone authorities and government-run duty free shops to identify purchase locations.

Repealing Clause

  • All prior orders, rules, regulations, or provisions inconsistent with this order are repealed or modified accordingly.

Effectivity Clause

  • The order becomes effective 15 days after its approval on October 6, 1998.

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