The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, upon the advisory of the government of the Federal Republic of Germany is reminding Filipino travelers entering or leaving the territory of the European Community of their obligation to declare to competent authorities the cash they carry with a total value of EUR 10,000 or more.

Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No. 1889/2005 of the European Parliament and the Council of 28th October 2005 requires travelers to comply with this obligation when traveling in and out of the European Community. This EC regulation aims to prevent cash movements from illegal sources and to prosecute cases of influx of proceeds from criminal acts or money laundering into the European Union. It also identifies persons in contact with terrorist organizations and the large sum carriers with the intention to seize the money they are carrying to prevent cross-border funding of terrorist activities.

Cash funds are defined as currency or traveler’s checks, money orders, promissory notes, shares, debentures, and due interest warrants or coupons.

The declaration can be made in writing with the customs administration situated at the airports, train stations or at the customs office responsible for the customs landing stage at which a ship has berthed.

Non-declaration or false declaration of cash carried may result in a substantial fine of up to one million euros.