Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Here’s a break for Filipinos abroad, and just in time for the holidays.
Starting Christmas Day, they can send balikbayan boxes home tax-free for up to three times a year.
The total value of all three balikbayan boxes should not be more than ₱150,000 and the number of items in the packages should just be suited for personal use.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) clarifies that this privelege is extended to “qualified Filipinos living abroad,” which are overseas Filipino workers (OFW), students, tourist visa holders, Filipinos holding dual citizenship, and Filipinos who have legal residency status overseas.
Read: Balikbayan boxes to be tax-free starting Christmas Day
This privilege is part of the Implementing Rules and Regulations for part of the Customs and Modernization and Tariff Act signed in May by then President Benigno Aquino III.
But the BOC is reminding senders this comes with requirements.
Recipients are limited to family members or relatives up to the fourth civil degree – like parents, aunts and uncles, up to first cousins.
Senders will have to fill out an Information Sheet listing all items in the box. Those with false declarations can be sued for perjury.
The Information Sheet will be available on the BOC webstite on December 25.
