BOC seals warehouse with PHP1.18B worth of suspected smuggled goods

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) inspected a warehouse in Valenzuela City on Thursday, March 13, sealing it with PHP1.18 billion worth of suspected smuggled disposable vapes and used clothing from China.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio warned the public that these counterfeit goods pose serious health risks as they may not have undergone proper testing and licensing.

The warehouse contained vape products valued at PHP320 million, including various brands of disposable vapes, while other smuggled items such as used clothing, phone chargers, wireless headsets, and food products were estimated to be worth PHP860 million.

Following the raid, BOC placed padlocks and seals on the warehouse pending an inventory by Customs examiners. Warehouse owners have 15 days to present documents proving legitimate acquisition and payment of duties and taxes for the seized items.

Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy emphasized that buying counterfeit goods not only fuels criminal activities like money laundering but also supports forced labor and organized crime, putting consumers at financial and health risks.

Failure to provide required documentation could result in charges under Sections 117 and 1400 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and Republic Act 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.