BOC details process on sending, claiming parcels using PHLPost system

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Saturday issued guidelines clarifying the procedures in sending and claiming parcels using the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) tracking system.

In a statement, the BOC cited a Memorandum of Agreement it jointly signed with PHLPost in 2016 stating that when sending parcels from abroad, the sender shall fill-up the parcel/shipping declaration form and entrust the package to an international postal service such as PHLPost for dispatch to the Philippines.

The sender will then be provided with a Postal Tracking Number by the postal service as a reference once the recipient claims the parcel.

All international parcels will be received and stored at the warehouse facility of PHLPost located at Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City and Surface Mail Exchange Department (SMED) in Manila City.

PHLPost will then line up and present the parcel to a Customs Officer for document examination and issuance of assessment notice for import duties and taxes.

"If there are lacking documents such as proof of purchase, import permit, etc. among others needed for the issuance of assessment notice, PHLPost will issue a Letter Notice to the recipient of the package for their compliance. Once all requirements are completed and submitted to BOC by PHLPost, an assessment notice will be issued and PHLPost will forward the parcel to the local post office for delivery or pick-up," the statement read.

The recipient will then be notified by the PHLPost regarding the status of the package. The status of the parcel could be verified through the online PHLPost tracking system and through BOC’s Balikbayan Box and Parcel Tracking System.

Once the recipient comes to the post office to pick up the package, he or she would be asked to present two valid government IDs, PHLPost Notice Card, BOC Notice Letter and other required documents, if any. Thereafter, the claimant will be referred to the designated customs officer for payment of duties and taxes, if any.

The BOC clarified that all goods imported are subject to Customs Duty (CUD) and any person who imports shall be subject to Value Added Tax (VAT). Further, Excise taxes (ET) apply to goods manufactured or produced in the Philippines for domestic sales or consumption or for any other disposition and to things imported.

"[A]ll parcels including gifts and donations are subject to payment of customs duties and taxes. To avail of the duty and tax exemption on the importation of international donation, a Tax Exemption Indorsement (TEI) must be secured from the Department of Finance-Revenue Office," the BOC said.

"The Bureau is committed to rationalizing and simplifying procedures in the examination and assessment of postal items to ensure efficient, streamlined and speedy service to its stakeholders," it added. — Jamil Santos/DVM, GMA News