The Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued a warning to Overseas Filipino Workers and their consignees to avoid transacting with unaccredited freight forwarders due to complaints of undelivered balikbayan boxes, reported the Philippines Inquirer.

A blacklist of unaccredited freight forwarders and consolidators has been released by the DTI. Senders are urged to verify Philippine sea freight forwarder counterparts via www.dti.gov.ph or through consulate offices abroad.

Lawyer Victorio Mario Dimagiba of the Philippine Shippers Bureau said OFWs should only use PSB-accredited forwarders and agents to ensure safe delivery of packages.

Foreign cargo consolidators typically have Philippine counterparts accredited by the PSB for sea freight and by the Civil Aeronautics Authority of the Philippines for air freight.

Mr Dimagiba warned against unusually low door-to-door rates offered by foreign principals, which may indicate insufficient funds for cargo transport and result in abandoned shipments.

The public is advised to monitor DTI-PSB advisories and consult the blacklist available at the Overseas Worker Welfare Administration, Bureau of Customs and DTI regional offices.