BOC raises alert on ukay-ukay, food imports amid nCoV scare

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has raised an alert status for food and non-food imports, particularly used clothing ('ukay-ukay') and food products, from China and other countries with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

Imports must have proper permits from the Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration; customs personnel are also being instructed to wear protective gear when examining imported food items.

Customs Assistant Commissioner Vincent Maronilla emphasized that importing used clothing is illegal and could potentially transmit the virus.