Sea cargo is one of the most flexible ways to ship out goods. Although it is convenient, every shipping line limits its items for sea transport. Government regulations also dictate the prohibited items in sea cargo. Insufficient knowledge of prohibited goods might result in problems with shipment, and even conflict with the law. You can avoid untimely complications by learning about the differences between the types of limited sea shipping goods. Read through this list of sea cargo prohibited items to be a responsible shipper. Prohibited vs Regulated vs Restricted Sea Cargo Items You might be confused whether an item is prohibited, regulated, or restricted for sea cargo shipping. These terms are defined by the Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) under the Customs Modernization Tariff Act of 2015 or RA 10863. Regulated Items These goods are subject to regulatory laws set by relevant government bodies, such as the Food and Drug Administration, Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Animal Industry, and more. It is necessary to secure specific permits and clearances from these agencies before your item can be shipped. Examples include plant, animal, and marine products, drugs or chemicals, used motor vehicles and electrical components, tobacco, and certain minerals. Restricted Items These are items that may only be shipped when a regulating agency or law explicitly authorizes an individual or business to do so. These are restricted for security reasons, as well as environmental and health safety. Examples of restricted items for sea shipping are explosives and ammunition, lottery tickets, gambling-related machines and objects, and the like. Prohibited Items Otherwise known as contrabands, these items are considered unlawful for shipping. These are banned in any import or export activity, local or international shipments. No shipping clearances or permits allow the movement of prohibited goods in accordance with national law. See the full CMTA terms as published by the Bureau of Customs here. Your Guide to 23 Prohibited Items for Shipping via Sea This list is further divided into six categories of forbidden items: Miscellaneous, Firearms, Dangerous Drugs and Substances, High-Value Items, Dangerous Goods, and Plants and Animals. Miscellaneous Prohibited Items Materials containing subversive acts against the government Any written or printed goods that suggest, whether directly or indirectly, acts of rebellion, treason, or insurrection against the Philippine government are considered prohibited items for shipping. These are considered threats to national safety and security. Pornographic materials Media in written or printed form, as well as film, paintings, photos, and other types of objects that show graphic immoral acts and ideas are major prohibited items for shipping. Mislabeled consumable goods This kind of prohibited item violates food and drug regulations, making it unfit for human consumption. These may also contain harmful ingredients and materials. Pirated goods Pirated material is considered prohibited items in sea cargo due to violation of the Intellectual Property Code. Gambling items Most sea cargo lines do not accept gambling items such as cards, pinball machines, slot machines, and computerized games. In special cases, relevant government agencies only permit specific businesses or individuals to transport these items. Prohibited Firearms Realistic replicas or imitation firearms Although they are replicas, imitation firearms are prohibited items in sea cargo because it can be used in a threatening approach, inciting fear in persons in presence of the item. Disguised or improvised firearms These types of firearms are prohibited as they can be used in crime and terror situations. Homemade and modified firearms are not regulated or registered with the relevant government agencies. Stunning devices Objects such as pepper or mace sprays, tear gas, and the like are considered as weapons and therefore are forbidden by government offices concerned with sea transport. Dangerous Drugs and Substances Illegal drugs For many sensible reasons, illegal drugs are strictly prohibited items in sea cargo. Drug trafficking is a serious offense that can lead to numerous legal complications. Drugs and paraphernalia used for abortion As abortion is illegal in the Philippines, the government prohibits the shipment of materials, drugs, tools, and other items related to abortion. Any material that may directly or indirectly instruct an individual regarding abortion is strictly not allowed. High-Value Items Cash and items equivalent to monetary value Cash, cheques, SIM cards, prepaid cards, and similar objects are prohibited items for shipping. Transporting these items is forbidden to prevent instances of money laundering and other criminal activity. Improperly declared metals Jewelries and other items that are manufactured with gold, silver, and other precious metals or metal alloys must be properly declared and labeled. Inaccurate and untruthful declarations of its fineness and quality are subject to relevant laws. Products made from animal skins Raw animal hide is perishable and susceptible to the accumulation of bacteria and decomposition. For safety reasons, products made from improperly preserved animal skin, or that of endangered animals, are forbidden on sea cargo. Dangerous Goods Explosives Objects such as ammunition, firecrackers, and dynamite are prohibited items in sea cargo as they can generate small-scale to large explosions that endanger individuals. Gases Compressed gases, aerosols, and butane are examples of gases forbidden from shipping. Flammable liquids Shipping lines do not accept flammable liquids like kerosene, gasoline, lighters, or acetone for cargo shipping. These can cause fires and damage. Flammable solids Firecrackers, matches, and items that contain fuel are not allowed to be shipped due to threat to safety and its risk of fire. Oxidizing substances Chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, bromine, and ammonium are prohibited items for shipping. They can be found in household items used in bleaching and fertilizing. Toxic and infectious substances Substances like mercury, lead, and arsenic are harmful to the body. Exposure can cause health risks such as cancer, problems to circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems among others. Infectious substances carry the risk of spreading diseases. Radioactive material Items containing high levels of radiation can significantly affect individuals that are exposed to it. Certain radioactive laboratory materials are not accepted for cargo shipment. Corrosive substances This type of dangerous material includes acid fluid, batteries, paint and varnish thinner,
This Christmas season, Chelsea Logistics subsidiaries, namely Starlite Ferries, SuperCat, and Trans-Asia, are offering passengers up to P100 cashback on sea travel thru a partnership with GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines. This promo is valid from November 6 to December 31, 2023, and is open to all GCash users nationwide. To avail of this holiday cashback promo, passengers simply need to go to the physical ticketing outlet and pay their tickets via the GCash app. Passengers can enjoy the following cashback: P20 off for tickets of up to PhP 800 P50 off for tickets amounting PhP 801 to PhP 1,800 P100 pesos off for tickets amounting more than PhP 1,801 Below are the participating corporate ticketing outlets: Starlite: Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, PITX, Buendia, Odiongan, San Agustin, Romblon, Roxas City Capiz, Caticlan, Cebu, Dapitan, Dipolog, Surigao, Nasipit, & Butuan SuperCat: Corporate Ticket Office Pier 1 and Ormoc Corporate Ticket Office Trans-Asia: Cebu, Cagayan De Oro, Ozamis, Iligan, Ilo-Ilo, Masbate, & Tagbilaran
AVAILABLE Now! Grab the limited edition of Chelsea Travel Anniversary Collection. Available on board and at selected ticketing outlets! 3-in-1 multi-function ballpen (stylus, cellphone stand, clip holder) notepad water-proof drawstring bag stylish tote bag drifit t-shirt with famous tourist destinations in the Philippines insulated leak-proof tumbler Stickers of iconic landmarks in the Philippines bucket hats and caps
ADVISORY. September 4, 2023 Effective September 4, 2023, all trips for the Batangas-Calapan-Batangas route are CANCELLED due to vessel maintenance. We shall keep you posted on the resumption of trips. For other queries or concerns, you may email us at supercat-customercare@supercat.ph or call us at 09271476281. #SuperCat #ZoomtotheIslands #ZoomwithSuperCat
Good day, Byaheroes! July 24, 2023 Advisory. We would like to inform you that all trips today for Cebu-Ormoc-Cebu route are CANCELLED due to Signal #1 raised over Leyte Area of Typhoon Egay. We shall keep you posted on the resumption of trips. For bookings, just visit our Corporate Ticket Offices located at the port. We also have our online booking, https://online.supercat.ph/search Or you can book via Chelsea Travel: https://bit.ly/ChelseaTravel For other querries, you may email us at supercat-customercare@supercat.ph. #SuperCat #ZoomtotheIslands #ZoomwithSuperCat
