In view of the numerous reports received from Overseas Filipinos on non-delivery of balikbayan boxes, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through Philippine Foreign Service Posts wishes to inform the public about Customs Memorandum Order No. 79-90 which states:

“Once the cargo arrives in the Philippines, the local consolidator or courier shall file the necessary documents with the BOC. The BOC shall then assess the duties and taxes and the local consolidator or courier shall pay for them, after which, the goods shall be released and the local courier shall deliver the goods to the intended recipients. However, there are instances when the local consolidator does not pay the duties and taxes which causes the balikbayan boxes to remain unreleased.”