1. Complete Your Shipment Declaration

Tell Us What You’re Sending

A shipment declaration is required for every collection. Kabayan Cargo is transitioning this process from paper to digital, with an option to print or keep a copy for your records.

Your declaration includes information such as:

• Shipper name and contact details
• UAE collection address
• Consignee name and contact number
• Complete Philippine delivery address
• Destination
• Package or cargo details
• Declared contents
• Packing or special handling information, when applicable
• Your acknowledgement that the information provided is accurate

2. Declare Your Contents Properly

Be Clear About What’s Inside

Describe the contents of your shipment as accurately as possible. Instead of very general descriptions, provide enough information to identify what you are sending.

For example:

Philippine Bureau of Customs guidance requires balikbayan box contents to be properly declared, including the items being sent and their corresponding information.

3. Personal & Household Items Only

Balikbayan Boxes Are for Personal Use

Balikbayan boxes should contain personal and household effects, not goods being sent in commercial quantities or for resale.

The Bureau of Customs defines commercial quantity based on whether the quantity exceeds what would normally be considered reasonable for personal use.

If you are unsure whether an item or quantity can be sent, check with us before packing.

Check Prohibited & Restricted Items→

4. Have Your Identification Ready

Sender Identification

Please have a valid ID available when required during the shipment process. For Kabayan Cargo collection, you may be asked to present your identification for verification.

The Bureau of Customs may have separate documentary requirements for balikbayan box processing and eligibility. Customers should follow the latest requirements issued by BOC.

Recipient Identification

The recipient should also have valid identification available when receiving the shipment in the Philippines. Make sure the recipient name on your declaration is correct and matches the person who will receive the cargo.

5. Double-Check Your Delivery Details

Make Sure Everything Is Correct Before Pickup

Before completing your declaration, check:

✓ Shipper name and mobile number
✓ UAE collection address
✓ Consignee’s complete name
✓ Active Philippine contact number
✓ Complete Philippine delivery address
✓ Correct destination
✓ Box or cargo information
✓ Declared contents

Incorrect contact or delivery information can make it more difficult to process or deliver your shipment.

6. Can I Edit My Declaration?

Yes — Before Collection

You can correct or update your shipment declaration before your cargo is collected. Once the shipment has been collected, the declaration can no longer normally be edited.

So before handing your cargo to the driver, check everything one last time.

Keep a Copy

You can keep a copy of your completed shipment declaration for your records.

7. What Happens During Customs Screening?

Customs Screening Is Handled by Philippine Authorities

Balikbayan box shipments may undergo customs processing or inspection after arriving in the Philippines.

Whether a shipment is inspected and how it is processed is determined by the Philippine Bureau of Customs, not Kabayan Cargo.

If your tracking status shows Customs Screening, your shipment is currently at that stage of the process.

Understanding Your Tracking Status→

8. Check Before You Pack

Some items may be prohibited, restricted, regulated, or require special handling.

Check Prohibited & Restricted Items→

Official BOC Balikbayan Box Guidelines→