MANILA: The order shall take effective immediately and states that in case a balikbayan box is placed under alert, it will be subjected to 100% physical examination
X-RAY. Among the operational provisions in Customs memorandum order released September 2 include that the OFWs balikbayan boxes shall not be subjected to random or arbitrary physical inspection. “Instead they shall undergo mandatory X-ray scanning,” the CMO reads.
MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) released on Wednesday, September 2, its revised rules and regulations on the importation of balikbayan boxes.
Dated August 27, the customs memorandum order (COM) applies to all non-commercial inbound consolidated shipment of overseas Filipino workers and for returning OFWs bringing in personal and household effects as provided under Section 105 (f) of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP), as amended.
Among the operational provisions is that the OFWs balikbayan boxes shall not be subjected to random or arbitrary physical inspection. “Instead they shall undergo mandatory X-ray scanning,” the CMO read.
Mandatory container X-ray scanning shall be conducted at the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) Designated Examination Area (DEA) for preliminary examination of non-commercial inbound consolidated shipment.
Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina is underfire from OFWs and their families for his “reminder” on balikbayan boxes. The outcry prompted President Benigno Aquino III to stop physical inspections on balikbayan boxes.
The COM takes effect immediately and repeals all existing orders, circulars, memoranda, and other issuances “inconsistent or in conflict with this order,” BOC said.
BOC may also produce and print information, notices, leaflets on the new rules and regulations for the importation of balikbayan boxes “in order to provide OFWs with clear information on the simplified customs procedures prescribed under the order.”
