DTI shares tips to ensure 'balikbayan' boxes reach destinations

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2821480570017/dti-shares-tips-to-ensure-balikbayan-boxes-reach-destinations
• Tuesday, December 6, 2016

By Elsha Marie B. Soriano (JNPD/EMBS/PIA-1, Pangasinan/DTI)

DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here advised the public especially the overseas workers who will send packages to their loved ones this Christmas season to follow easy steps in sending “balikbayan” boxes to guarantee that it will reach its destination.

Peter Mangabat, provincial director of DTI-Pangasinan, said overseas workers should have a knowledge on basic requirements of sending their “balikbayan” boxes in order to avoid inconvenience such as lost or damaged packaged, delay in delivery, and overcharging of fees.

First, shippers should organize all the things they want to send and avoid packing items such as currencies, checks, money orders and travelers checks; jewelry; firearms, ammunitions and explosives; drugs and other prohibited substances; pornographic materials, gambling cards, toy guns, and pirated products like tapes which are not allowed to be included in the “balikbayan” box.

Second, overseas workers should book their boxes only with DTI’s Business Licensing and Accreditation Division (BLAD)-accredited sea cargo consolidator or freight forwarder companies. For list of accredited and blacklisted freight forwarders shippers can visit www.dti.gov.ph.

Third, shippers should keep their transport documents such as cargo receipt, bill of landing or other proof of transaction and ensure that the name and contact details of the forwarder’s agent in the Philippines were clearly indicated in their receipts.

Fourth, shippers must monitor the movement of their cargo and inquire for a tracking scheme or continuously contact the forwarding company for detailed information on the status of the cargo.

Lastly, they should also inform their consignee to check cargo with the Philippine agent even before it arrives. When the package arrives, make sure to inspect the seal and wrapping of the box before signing the receipt of delivery.

Mangabat said if the consignees or shippers encountered pilferage, lost item, or non-delivery, they may report and submit their complaints on cargo shipments at DTI-BLAD with email address fteb_blad@dti.gov.ph.