{"id":4166,"date":"2019-12-16T08:29:43","date_gmt":"2019-12-16T00:29:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ec2-54-254-239-209.ap-southeast-1.compute.amazonaws.com\/?p=4166"},"modified":"2026-01-28T01:51:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T17:51:13","slug":"guidelines-balikbayan-boxes-hong-kong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/guidelines-balikbayan-boxes-hong-kong\/","title":{"rendered":"Complete Guide to Sending Balikbayan Boxes from Hong Kong to the Philippines"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Updated 25 January 2026<\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/guidelines-balikbayan-boxes-hong-kong\/#What_Is_a_Balikbayan_Box\" >What Is a Balikbayan Box?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/guidelines-balikbayan-boxes-hong-kong\/#Who_Is_Eligible_for_Duty-Free_Balikbayan_Boxes\" >Who Is Eligible for Duty-Free Balikbayan Boxes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/guidelines-balikbayan-boxes-hong-kong\/#Duty-Free_Conditions_and_Limits\" >Duty-Free Conditions and Limits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/guidelines-balikbayan-boxes-hong-kong\/#Required_Documents_to_Clear_Customs\" >Required Documents to Clear Customs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/guidelines-balikbayan-boxes-hong-kong\/#What_You_Can_and_Cant_Pack\" >What You Can and Can\u2019t Pack<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/guidelines-balikbayan-boxes-hong-kong\/#How_the_Shipping_and_Customs_Process_Works\" >How the Shipping and Customs Process Works<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/guidelines-balikbayan-boxes-hong-kong\/#2025_Updates_and_Policy_Enhancements\" >2025 Updates and Policy Enhancements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/guidelines-balikbayan-boxes-hong-kong\/#Tips_for_a_Smooth_Balikbayan_Box_Shipment\" >Tips for a Smooth Balikbayan Box Shipment<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/guidelines-balikbayan-boxes-hong-kong\/#Final_Tips_to_Getting_things_done\" >Final Tips to Getting things done<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Gifting through what is known as <em>balikbayan<\/em> boxes is a common practice among the Filipino community abroad including foreign domestic workers.<\/strong> The Tagalog word<em> balikbayan<\/em> literally means \u2018return to home\u2019. The name says it all: <em>Balikbayan<\/em> boxes have become one of the favorite means for many Filipinos overseas to contribute and maintain their bond with their family members (including extended family) who remained back home \u2013 particularly on special occasions like Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are an employer you can offer your domestic helper gifts like clothing or sweets that she will put into the box and send to her home country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Common-items-in-a-Balikbayan-Box-2.png\" alt=\"Common items in a Balikbayan Box\" class=\"wp-image-5449\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Common-items-in-a-Balikbayan-Box-2.png 540w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Common-items-in-a-Balikbayan-Box-2-200x300.png 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Common items in a Balikbayan Box<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Balikbayan_Box\"><\/span>What Is a Balikbayan Box?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A Balikbayan Box is a parcel overseas Filipinos send home containing personal and household items <strong>for family use<\/strong>. The tradition grew from the Filipino custom of <em>pasalubong<\/em>, symbolizing affection and remembrance for family and friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Balikbayan boxes are typically shipped through <strong>freight forwarders or consolidators<\/strong> in Hong Kong who organize cargo shipping, customs filing, and delivery to recipients in the Philippines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Is_Eligible_for_Duty-Free_Balikbayan_Boxes\"><\/span>Who Is Eligible for Duty-Free Balikbayan Boxes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the <strong>Bureau of Customs (BOC) duty-free rules<\/strong>, the following categories of senders can avail of tax and duty exemption:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>F<\/strong>ilipino citizens temporarily living abroad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non-Resident Filipinos with permanent residency overseas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This tax and duty-free privilege applies when conditions set by the BOC under Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) are met<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Duty-Free_Conditions_and_Limits\"><\/span>Duty-Free Conditions and Limits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To qualify for <strong>tax and duty exemption<\/strong> when sending a Balikbayan Box from Hong Kong:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The box must contain only personal and household effects meant for family use \u2014 not for sale.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The total declared value must not exceed \u20b1150,000 per calendar year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You may use this privilege up to three times per calendar year.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If these conditions aren\u2019t met, the box may be subject to duties and taxes before release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Required_Documents_to_Clear_Customs\"><\/span>Required Documents to Clear Customs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before your box leaves Hong Kong, make sure your consolidator collects and transmits the required paperwork for BOC processing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Balikbayan Box Information Sheet \u2014 lists what\u2019s inside and the value of each item.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Photocopy of sender\u2019s passport biographical page \u2014 verifies identity and overseas status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Invoice or receipt (if available) \u2014 especially for higher-value items.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These documents are sent by the Hong Kong consolidator to the Philippine freight forwarder and then to the BOC for review and clearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/balikbayan-box-airport-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Some OFWs choose to bring their balikbayan boxes with them when flying back to home\" class=\"wp-image-4169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/balikbayan-box-airport-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/balikbayan-box-airport-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/balikbayan-box-airport-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/balikbayan-box-airport.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_You_Can_and_Cant_Pack\"><\/span>What You Can and Can\u2019t Pack<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To avoid customs issues and delays, pack <strong>only personal and household items<\/strong>. Common accepted contents include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clothing and shoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Toiletries and personal care items<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dry, non-perishable canned goods and snacks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Toys and gifts for family<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small household items<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Items you <strong>should not include<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u274c Cash, money orders, or financial instruments<br>\u274c Firearms, ammunition, explosives<br>\u274c Illegal drugs or substances<br>\u274c Pornographic materials, gambling cards<br>\u274c Pirated media (DVDs\/CDs)<br>\u274c Plant seeds or unprocessed food without permit<br>\u274c Commercial goods or items in business quantities<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For any regulated goods (e.g., food that needs clearance, medicines), check requirements from the appropriate Philippine agency (FDA, BPI, BFAR) before packing to avoid confiscation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_the_Shipping_and_Customs_Process_Works\"><\/span>How the Shipping and Customs Process Works<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a simplified look at the process from Hong Kong to your family\u2019s door:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Packing and Declaration:<\/strong> Accurately pack items and complete the information sheet with honest values.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Document Submission:<\/strong> Give the information sheet, passport copy, and any receipts to your consolidator.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shipping:<\/strong> The consolidator ships the box by sea or air to the Philippines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Customs Processing:<\/strong> The freight forwarder in the Philippines submits documents to the BOC for examination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Release and Delivery:<\/strong> Once cleared, the box is delivered to your recipient\u2019s home.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2025_Updates_and_Policy_Enhancements\"><\/span>2025 Updates and Policy Enhancements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In <strong>June 2025<\/strong>, the Philippine government signed a <strong>Joint Administrative Order (JAO)<\/strong> to strengthen rules for Balikbayan Box handling, prevent mishandling by unscrupulous players, and improve delivery reliability. This cooperation involves the BOC, Department of Finance (DOF), DTI, DMW, OWWA, and the Philippine Ports Authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The JAO aims to streamline national policy, clarify responsibilities, and protect OFWs\u2019 shipments through better oversight of freight forwarders and deconsolidators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_a_Smooth_Balikbayan_Box_Shipment\"><\/span>Tips for a Smooth Balikbayan Box Shipment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2714 Use DTI-accredited freight forwarders and consolidators \u2014 this reduces risk of delays or problematic cargo partners.<br>\u2714 Accurately declare item values \u2014 honest listings help customs clear items faster.<br>\u2714 Keep tracking references and documentation until the box is delivered.<br>\u2714 Share the expected delivery window with your family so they\u2019re prepared to receive it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also try the <strong>BOC Balikbayan Box Tracking System<\/strong> to monitor shipment status online<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Tips_to_Getting_things_done\"><\/span>Final Tips to Getting things done<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Plan things ahead:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>List in advance what\u2019s going to be in the box.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pick the right size of the box and plan the sending. Allow 1 to 2 weeks for your box to arrive after being shipped. If you are planning on shipping presents to reach on time for Christmas, allow more time as shipping time is extended during the Christmas season.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure that all fragile objects are carefully packed and that containers holding liquids are carefully duct-tape sealed. Pay extra attention when sealing the box \u2013 focus on the opening and the edges to ensure that the items inside are safe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Duct tape is your ally!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated 25 January 2026 Gifting through what is known as balikbayan boxes is a common practice among the Filipino community abroad including foreign domestic workers. The Tagalog word balikbayan literally means \u2018return to home\u2019. The name says it all: Balikbayan boxes have become one of the favorite means for many Filipinos overseas to contribute and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":4169,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"Updated balikbayan box guide from Hong Kong to the Philippines \u2014 customs rules, packing rules, duty-free conditions, and tips for a smooth delivery.","title":"Complete Guide to Sending Balikbayan Boxes from Hong Kong to the Philippines - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[111,96],"tags":[151],"class_list":["post-4166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture-guide","category-culture","tag-domestic-helpers"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/balikbayan-box-airport.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4166","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4166"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4166\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15138,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4166\/revisions\/15138"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4169"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4166"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4166"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4166"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}