Balikbayan Box Packing Guide & Safety Rules
1. Box Assembly & Taping
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Avoid Duct Tape Alone: Duct tape protects against water, but it becomes brittle and tears easily.
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Double-Seal: Reinforce duct tape by using transparent tape over it for extra security. One tape roll per box is generally sufficient, but the more tape used, the better protected your box is from rain and external leaks.
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Closing the Box: Fold the small lids in first, followed by the long lids. Ensure both edges meet without gaps.
2. Weight & Packing Balance
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Distribute Weight Evenly: Do not make one box extremely heavy and another too light. Balance the weight between your boxes.
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Prevent Liquid Leaks: Wrap and tape all shampoos, lotions, and liquid containers individually to avoid spillage.
3. Food & Perishables
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Expiration Dates: Always check expiration dates before packing. Avoid items with a short shelf life.
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Fragile Liquids & Jars: Avoid sending canned drinks, wine, milk, oil, vinegar, glass jars, bleach, or paint. If you choose to take the risk, pack them neatly, wrap each item individually in bubble wrap, and place them inside a separate internal box or or plastic container to prevent breakage, denting, and leaks.
4. Shipping Timeline & Delivery Expectation
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Plan for Event Dates: Do not send time-sensitive items (e.g., for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions) expecting exact delivery dates. Account for potential delays caused by weather, peak holiday seasons, or port congestion. Send your boxes much earlier than usual.
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Tracking Your Transit: Shipping time begins from the Actual Time of Departure (ATD) of the vessel, not from your home pickup date.
5. Prohibited & Restricted Items
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Prohibited Hazardous Goods: Absolutely NO lithium or alkaline batteries, gas canisters, illegal drugs, air guns, swords, weapons, relics, museum items, or vehicle parts.
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Customs Inspection: Every container undergoes X-ray scanning. Note: Customers are fully responsible for any customs fines, holding fees, or extra costs resulting from undeclared or illegal items.
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Electronics & Appliances: Do not pack monitors, TVs, ovens, or washing machines inside standard boxes; damages will not be refunded. These items must be packed separately in a wooden crate or box and shipped individually.
6. Declaration Form & Weight Limits
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Declaration Forms: Fill out all declaration forms completely and accurately.
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Maximum Weight: 60 kg per box.
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Surcharges & Refusal: Overweight boxes, deformed/bulging boxes, or improperly taped boxes are subject to a minimum surcharge of €30. We reserve the right to refuse overweight boxes to protect our team from injury and prevent road transport penalties.
A Note to Our Customers: Your boxes contain gifts and care for your loved ones back home. Because your box travels a long distance alongside hundreds of others, please pack responsibly, carefully, and securely.
