Homeland Security inspections raise concern in balikbayan box industry

INQUIRER.net
Posted 01/16/2011

CALIFORNIA, United States—The balikbayan box industry is facing a huge challenge this year as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ordered the inspection of every container of balikbayan boxes before being loaded onto ships.

This mandatory inspection of all containers will surely affect the industry. Since DHS has pegged the cost of the inspection at $2,400 per container, balikbayan box forwarders have to charge customers more for shipping and delivery. And the inspection, which lasts about two to three weeks, will naturally delay the arrival of the balikbayan boxes in the Philippines.

Before the slowdown, it took around 24 days from the time the box is received in the forwarder’s warehouse until it is delivered to the door of the beneficiary in Metro Manila. Now it can take up to 35 days.

Recently, a community outreach meeting was held at the Salakot Restaurant in Los Angeles hosted by the Filipino American Shipper’s Association (Fasa) and the officers of the US Homeland Security Out-Bound Examination Team attended by Unit Chief Commander Tapia, Lieutenant Commander Dagostino, and Officer Nasri.

Balikbayan box company owners assured the US Homeland Security Unit of their cooperation in preventing the transportation of contrabands through balikbayan boxes.

Strict documentation of the contents of the box will be implemented. Each shipper is required to present their government-issued identification card.

There will also be a campaign to inform customers about the items that the DHS inspection teams are looking for. These items include but are not limited to: currency, precious metals, copyright items, hazardous materials, weapons, guns, and significant military equipment like weapon sling, holster, handle, scope, and any weapons parts. (A detailed list can be found at http://www.manilaforwarder.com/restrictions.html).

Filipino American Shipper’s Association members also pointed out that there are some mix-ups during the inspection. The US Homeland Security Inspectors assured the members that they will implement a new system on how they conduct the inspection to prevent such from happening again.

They also asked the Fasa members to inform their client that the inspection will continue until the violations stop.

The public is also encouraged to provide information on shipments of contraband by contacting the US Homeland Security at (310) 971-2200.

Asian Journal