Revised Rules and Regulations on the Importation of "Balikbayan Boxes" from Overseas Filipino Workers
Customs Memorandum Order No. 027-15, issued on August 27, 2015, outlines revised rules for the importation of "balikbayan boxes" by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The order aims to simplify customs procedures, protect the interests of OFWs, and combat smuggling abuses associated with these shipments. It specifies that balikbayan boxes will undergo mandatory X-ray scanning instead of random physical inspections, with further examinations for flagged shipments. The Bureau of Customs is also responsible for disseminating information on these new regulations to ensure compliance and understanding among OFWs. The order took effect immediately and repealed any conflicting previous issuances.
Quick Answers
- What is Revised Rules and Regulations on the Importation of "Balikbayan Boxes" from Overseas Filipino Workers about?
- Customs Memorandum Order No. 027-15, issued on August 27, 2015, outlines revised rules for the importation of "balikbayan boxes" by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The order aims to simplify customs procedures, protect the interests of OFWs, and combat smuggling abuses associated with these shipments. It specifies that balikbayan boxes will undergo mandatory X-ray scanning instead of random physical inspections, with further examinations for flagged shipments. The Bureau of Customs is also responsible for disseminating information on these new regulations to ensure compliance and understanding among OFWs. The order took effect immediately and repealed any conflicting previous issuances.
- What type of law is Customs Memorandum Order No. 027-15?
- Revised Rules and Regulations on the Importation of "Balikbayan Boxes" from Overseas Filipino Workers (Customs Memorandum Order No. 027-15) is a Philippine Other Rules and Procedures enacted by the Congress of the Philippines.
- When was Revised Rules and Regulations on the Importation of "Balikbayan Boxes" from Overseas Filipino Workers enacted?
- Revised Rules and Regulations on the Importation of "Balikbayan Boxes" from Overseas Filipino Workers (Customs Memorandum Order No. 027-15) was enacted on Aug 27, 2015.
- What is the citation for Revised Rules and Regulations on the Importation of "Balikbayan Boxes" from Overseas Filipino Workers?
- Revised Rules and Regulations on the Importation of "Balikbayan Boxes" from Overseas Filipino Workers, Customs Memorandum Order No. 027-15, Aug 27, 2015 (Philippines)
Law Information
- Reference Number
- Customs Memorandum Order No. 027-15
- Date Enacted
- Category
- Other Rules and Procedures
- Subcategory
- Bureau of Customs
- Jurisdiction
- Philippines
- Enacting Body
- Congress of the Philippines
Full Law Text
August 27, 2015
CUSTOMS MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 027-15
| SUBJECT | : | Revised Rules and Regulations on the Importation of "Balikbayan Boxes" from Overseas Filipino Workers |
I. Objectives
1.1 To prescribe simplified customs procedures for our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) sending "balikbayan boxes" to the Philippines;
1.2 To protect the legitimate interests of OFWs in sending balikbayan boxes as tangible sign of their love and concern for their family members; and
1.3 To contribute to the enforcement efforts in suppressing unscrupulous individuals using the balikbayan boxes privilege to smuggle goods.
II. Coverage
This Order shall apply to all non-commercial inbound consolidated shipments of OFWs 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.
III. Operational Provisions
3.1 Balikbayan Boxes of OFWs shall not be subjected to random or arbitrary physical inspection. Instead they shall only undergo mandatory X-ray scanning.
3.2 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.
3.3 In cases of non-commercial inbound consolidated shipment tagged "suspect" after X-ray scanning, the XIP image analysis inspector shall identify the Balikbayan box/es with possible violation and recommend the issuance of an Alert Order. For Balikbayan box/es without violation, it shall be segregated and provisionally released to allow its continuous processing.
3.4 Balikbayan box/es which are Alerted shall be subjected to 100% physical examination at the authorized examination area to be conducted by a Customs Examiner in the presence of the apprehending officers, freight forwarder consolidator, representatives of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and/or a designated officer of an OFW Association be present.
3.5 For purposes of trade facilitation and to address port congestion, the BOC may allow the 100% examination of Alerted shipments under this Order to be conducted at the warehouse of the freight forwarder/consolidator upon submission of an Affidavit of Undertaking subject to existing customs laws, rules and regulations.
3.6 The BOC shall endeavor to acquire K-9 units and install CCTVs in all authorized inspection/examination areas.
3.7 Failure on the part of the responsible customs official or personnel to comply with any of the directives stated in this Order shall be dealt with in accordance with Section 3604 of the TCCP, as amended, and appropriate civil service rules and regulations. TCAScE
IV. Administrative Provisions
The Bureau of Customs may cause the production and printing of 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 procedure prescribed under this Order.
V. Repealing Clause
All orders, circulars, memoranda and other issuances inconsistent or in conflict with this order are hereby modified or repealed accordingly.
VII. Effectivity
This Order shall take effect immediately.
(SGD.) ALBERTO D. LINACommissioner
Cite This Law
Revised Rules and Regulations on the Importation of "Balikbayan Boxes" from Overseas Filipino Workers, Customs Memorandum Order No. 027-15, Aug 27, 2015 (Philippines)
Revised Rules and Regulations on the Importation of "Balikbayan Boxes" from Overseas Filipino Workers, Customs Memorandum Order No. 027-15 (Phil. 2015)
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- Revised Rules and Regulations Governing Accreditation of Medical Facilities for Overseas Workers and SeafarersDOH Administrative Order No. 2004-0181 • Sep 9, 2004 • Other Rules and Procedures
- Guidelines and Procedures for Implementation of Filipino Expatriate Livelihood Support Fund for Displaced Overseas WorkersOWWA Memorandum of Instructions No. 01-09 • Jan 12, 2009 • Other Rules and Procedures
- Guidelines on the Reintegration Program for Deportees and Returning Undocumented Overseas Filipino WorkersDSWD Memorandum Circular No. 009-08 • Jun 17, 2008 • Other Rules and Procedures
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