DFA advises Brunei-bound Pinoys on new Customs regulation

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday advised Brunei-bound Filipinos about a new Customs regulation that requires travelers to declare BND15,000 (P523,660) or more in currency upon entering or exiting the sultanate. The DFA said the new regulation of Brunei's Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMDB) covers physical currency or bearer-negotiable instruments, such as checks, bonds or bills of exchange. "Failure to give a full and accurate report can result in a fine not exceeding BND40,000.00 (P1.396 million) or the equivalent of the amount of the customs duty payable, whichever is greater, imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both," the DFA said in a news release. Brunei authorities began implementing the new regulation on August 1. The DFA noted the AMBD had announced the new requirement is in accordance with the country's Anti-Money Laundering Order 2000. It is also in line with international standards that require countries to have measures to detect the physical cross-border movement of cash and bearer negotiable instruments, the DFA added. Under the regulation, the declaration should be made before either the Royal Customs and Excise Department upon arrival; or the Immigration and National Registration Department upon departure. Travelers are to use specific forms that will be made available, the DFA said. - VVP, GMA News