SPECIAL PROCEDURES- POSTAL MAILS
1. What are at least three (3) types of information that the designated postal operator
of the Philippines must submit to the Bureau of Customs regarding received postal
items?
Ans: Three types of information about received postal items must be submitted by the
Philippines' designated postal operator to the Bureau of Customs, an advance copy of
the Postal Customs Declaration Form, a list of received postal items that includes
information about the addressee, including name, address, contact information, sender,
origin, declared description and value of goods, declared weight, and postage paid; and
a list of unclaimed postal items that have been unclaimed for more than 30 days after
the third delivery attempt.
2. Describe the clearance process for postal items with an FCA/FOB value of more
than PHP50,000.00. What is the key requirement in this case?
Ans: The primary prerequisite for clearing the Formal Entry Process, which involves
filing a Goods Declaration with the Bureau of Customs, is the submission of postal items
with an FCA/FOB value above PHP50,000.00.
3. What are the conditions for a Returning Resident or OFW to clear their shipment
through an Informal Entry Process under Section 800 (f) of the CMTA when the goods
arrive via postal mail (sea or air)? What additional document is required in this specific
scenario?
Ans: When goods are delivered by postal mail, an OFW or returning resident may
employ the Informal Entry Process under Section 800(f) of the CMTA by completing a
completed Personal and Household Effects Declaration form beforehand. A Duty and
Tax Exemption Indorsement from the Department of Finance's Revenue Office is also
necessary in this particular situation.
4. Explain how the privilege of sending "Balikbayan Boxes" via post is regulated in
terms of frequency. What type of goods should these boxes primarily contain to be
exempt from duties and taxes?
Ans: A maximum of 3 "Balikbayan Boxes" may be sent via postal service in a given
calendar year. These boxes must mostly contain household goods and personal
belongings for the sender's family to utilize in the Philippines in order to be free from
customs and taxes.
5. What is the crucial document that the addressee or claimant of a Balikbayan Box
sent via post must submit to the Bureau of Customs? List at least three (3) pieces of
information found in this document.
Ans: A printout of the completed and signed Information Sheet from the sender is the
essential document that the recipient or claimant of a Balikbayan Box sent by postal
service must provide. At minimum, this document contains, the sender's full name and
contact information, a packing list that includes item descriptions and quantities; and the
number of availment for the year.
6. Identify at least three (3) types of postal items that are excluded from immediate
release. Briefly explain the reason for each exclusion based on the text.
Ans: Goods claimed through reward systems such as airline mileage or promotional
points are excluded from immediate release for at least three reasons, they may not
meet customs valuation standards, they have uncleared or deceptive value declarations
such as "no commercial value", since a clear value is required for assessment; and they
are prohibited or restricted under international postal conventions and customs laws,
because they require special clearance or are outright banned.