16 September 2005

Clarifications on Customs Inspections at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BoC) has issued clarifications on the implementation of strict luggage inspections for arriving passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The BoC clarifies that while stringent luggage inspections have been in place since 01 May 2005, the program is not in any way intended to restrict, limit or curtail the benefits and privileges enjoyed by overseas contract workers, returning residents, balikbayan, tourist and other foreign travellers. In fact, the inspection and examination of luggage including personal effects, pasalubong, gifts or donations brought in by arriving passengers belonging to this class are being conducted by well-trained customs frontliners in the most expeditious, convenient and orderly manner. Returning government officials and functionaries including their families or entourage travelling abroad in an official or private capacity are not exempted from this policy.

The main thrust of the program is the collection of the correct duties and taxes on luxury items, jewelries, expensive wrist watches, electronic and digital softwares, communication devices and articles of commercial quantities brought in by foreign and Filipino travellers who are neither classifies as overseas contract workers, returning residents nor balikbayan.

The BoC also announces the release of a brochure entitled “Passenger Guidelines For Travellers”, which informs the passenger on Philippine customs and quarantine laws, rules, regulations and procedures. This will be distributed on board the aircraft, the Arrival and Departure areas in all Philippine international airports and travel agencies.

Please be guided accordingly.