Balikbayan boxes to be tax-free starting Christmas Day - CNN Philippines

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Balikbayan boxes will be exempted from duties and taxes starting Christmas Day.

This is according to a statement released by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) yesterday which said that it, along with the Department of Finance (DOF), signed Customs Administrative Order (CAO) 05-2016.

The BOC clarifies that the CAO will come into effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper. As it was published on December 10, it shall take effect on December 25.

It further states that "only QFWAs who send their boxes after this CAO is in effect and who have duly accomplished the Information Sheet and complied with the requirements stated in the CAO can avail of this privilege."

Expedite release of balikbayan boxes
Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said, "We value the importance of each balikbayan box. They symbolize the hardship of our overseas Filipino workers, and the love of Filipinos abroad for their families here in the country."

He called on forwarders, local deconsolidators, and foreign consolidators to follow the guidelines so that balikbayan boxes may be released promptly following clearance procedures,

He added that port officials must follow the "no opening of balikbayan boxes" policy unless there is derogatory information that warrants the opening of these boxes. BOC is also appealing to the public not to misuse the privilege granted by law.