Items OFWs must not put in a balikbayan box
Sep 21, 2016
It's '-ber' months already. Christmas is just round the corner and once again, freight forwarding companies will be busy delivering balikbayan boxes to families.
Balikbayan boxes were sent to families in the Philippines by many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) abroad. It's a box full of gifts for each beloved family member. It's the evidence of every OFWs hardwork and sacrifices in working abroad for their loved ones.
Most balikbayan boxes come from OFWs in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Europe, United States of America and Singapore.
But before stuffing that balikbayan box with all the goods and gadgets, OFWs must know first what should not be included in the package. Here are the list of items OFWs must not put in a balikbayan box, as ordered by the Department of Trade and Industry or DTI.
- Currencies, checks, money orders and traveller's checks
- Jewelries
- Firearms, ammunitions and explosives
- Prohibited drugs and other substances
- Pornographic materials, gambling cards and toy guns
- Pirated products like DVD, CD
- Items that are of commercial quantity
- Plant seeds and plant materials
- Any food stuff that are not in cans, sealed packages or bottles
OFWs should remember not to send these items through their balikbayan boxes or it will be placed on hold by the Bureau of Customs on which they may face charges against violations.
* Tips for OFWs when sending balikbayan boxes
