If you are an expat like me, chances are high that you have at least once in your expat life sent gifts to all your loved ones packed in a box - the Balikbayan Box. They are called as such because Filipinos working abroad usually send these boxes ahead of their planned date of homecoming, hence the words "balik" (return) and "bayan" (country). The box would be filled with lots of items for loved ones as gifts for those missed milestones and occassions such as birthdays and anniversarries, for a job well done at school, for achieving something or just because.
Some also send these boxes back home when they finally decide to retire back to their home country for good. These boxes usually travel by sea because they are much cheaper than when you have them carried via air freight.
But one cannot just put anything in the box. Before you go packing, here are some things that you need to know:
Declare the Contents of the Box Properly
Just like any other cargo, the contents must be declared properly and should not exceed the amount allowed by customs otherwise you would be charged accordingly. Goods are considered by customs as a commodity if the package contains 12 or more items of the same kind. If you declare your items properly, the German customs will have no reason to hold you package. If there are discrepancies, they would hold your package or the entire container. So it is better to declare each item than to be sorry.
No Prohibited Items!
There are also goods that are not allowed to be placed inside the box such as firearms and explosive weapons, hazardous materials, prohibited drugs, dismantled automobile parts, alcoholic beverages, used clothing of commercial quantity, meat and poultry products, and other prohibited materials. LBC has a comprehensive list of prohibited items that should not be placed in the box. You may also contact your local forwarder for support more information.
Pack and Label the Box Properly
Your box must also be packed properly and should not bulge and can be sealed properly. A box that is too bulky as if it is about to explode might not be accepted for shipment since it would not fit properly into the container or the box itself would no longer be able to hold its contents and disintegrate. So pack your items carefully and well to avoid damages. Most cargo services offer insurance but it is only up to a maximum of €300,00 per box depending on the company. Properly label your box. Write down the name, address and recipient of the recipient properly. That way, your box will find its way to the correct destination and intended recipient.
So there... I hope I am able to help you pack your balikbayan box properly. Do you also use the balikbayan box for sending gifts to your loved ones back home? Which service are you using and why? Be sure to share them in the comments!
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