Claiming your Subject to Customs parcels at CMEC!

 Last week, I received a text message from PhilPost that my parcel that I bought from Japan was hold from Bureau of Customs in Port of NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport). I am in rage that my parcel I chose the EMS delivery to eliminate the hassle of going to Makati Post Office and expedite delivery. Out of my rage, I have no option but to go there. 

CMEC at Port of NAIA in Pasay City

This is my third time to go CMEC or the Central Mailing Exchange Center, located in Domestic Road in Pasay City. I know how to go there by city bus, but unfortunately, due to the pandemic, public transport in the nearby area will be an added burden. So I decided to go there as early as possible to avoid lines and crowds. Because of the heavy rain in early mornings, I took a taxi from my house to CMEC. 

Waiting

Before heading to CMEC, make sure to print out a copy of your invoices to prove the purchase and valid identification. When I got there forty minutes before it opens, a lady from PhilPost assisted me in facilitating the release. I gave all the infos she needs, gave me a card, and asked me to wait until Customs counter opens at 8am. BOC opens past 8am by the way. BOC officers opens the parcel and finds the video games I bought and immediately instructed me to pay the representative fee of 112.00PhP! I asked the officer who opened it why did they subject my parcel for examination, and said that electronic items are subjected for inspection (the pop'n music controller)! Good thing I always consider the de mini mis limit of 10,000.00PhP or equivalent foreign currency value.

While waiting for the BOC to open

Because the hassle it caused, I took a day of leave in my office and taxi took away my 200.00Php! It seems that it would be better to choose the DHL (for me) because aside from less than 10 dollars difference, their office is very near from work. Kudos to the PhilPost lady who facilitated me earlier than expected.  By the way, photo and videography inside the premises is not allowed, so i discreetly took photos on what they are giving. 

Released!

On my way home, I have to walk half a kilometer crossing the Domestic terminal until I reached Airport Road. From there, I took a jeepney going to MRT Taft. Luckily, the EDSA Carousel bus I rode is giving free rides to the public. Well, the good things in life are FREE!