Tips on Sending Balikbayan Boxes from USA to the Philippines

(Rappler.com)

More than just a package full of imported goods, balikbayan boxes serve as the connection between family members working overseas and the ones remaining in the Philippines. It is only but important to ensure that these special packages reach our loved ones back in the country. And to ease the fear of missing some items or the box itself getting lost in transit, you need to keep in mind the following tips when sending a balikbayan box from the USA to the Philippines.

• Familiarize yourself with the rules. Do you know that balikbayan boxes are duty & tax-free? Yes, this is made possible by RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, which exempts packages not exceeding Php150,000 from duties and taxes valid up to three times in one calendar year. But of course, only Qualified Filipinos While Abroad (QFWAs) are able to enjoy these privileges. Knowing such rules can save you not only bucks but also from the headache of worrying about these fees.

• Label the balikbayan box properly. Make sure to legibly write the complete name of the sender and receiver, full address, and contact number in case couriers cannot find the location. A map sketch or hints on finding the destination also help. Printing this on white paper is also an option in case you don’t trust your own handwriting. Just secure it with transparent tape to secure it from being torn or damaged with wetness.

• Itemize the contents of your package. Place a detailed list of the items inside your package and send a copy to your family in the country. This helps prevent missing items during transit of balikbayan box from the USA to the Philippines.

• Refrain from sending contrabands. A single contraband caught in your package can cause issues and delays for the whole shipment so make sure you know what not to include in your balikbayan box. These include the following:

• Used clothing of commercial quantity (ukay-ukay or in bales)
• Products with dog or cat fur & other animal hides
• Pornographic materials
• Pirated products like CDs, DVDs
• Pets, plants, seeds, soil
• Perishable food items
• Jewelry
• Foodstuff that is not in cans, sealed packages or bottles such as fruits & vegetables
• Explosives, firearms (including parts)
• Drug paraphernalia (unless prescribed for medical conditions)
• Defense articles or items with military or proliferation applications
• Cultural artifacts & pottery
• Ceramic tableware
• Automobile/motorcycle, parts or whole
• Alcohol/alcoholic drinks

• Secure the items and the box. The last thing you would want is to disappoint your kid with broken toys so secure your package properly. Use bubble wrap or clothing to cushion fragile goods. Don’t forget to seal the opening and the sides of the box as well. For shampoo or lotion bottles, tape the cap to avoid spilling.

• Send balikbayan boxes before the –ber months. Statistics tell that most Filipinos send balikbayan boxes to the Philippines during the Christmas season. The surge starts as early as September, so if you want to avoid the holiday rush, send your package weeks before the –ber months.

Trust only accredited forwarders. Lastly, and most importantly, ship your balikbayan box from the USA to the Philippines with only trusted forwarders. Ask fellow Pinoys about the shipping services they use or check with the Department of Trade and Industry website for a list of accredited freight forwarders in the country you’re in.