BOC seizes misdeclared refined sugar worth PHP28.73M

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized 14 container vans containing misdeclared refined sugar from Vietnam, valued at PHP28.73 million, on Thursday.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio led the inspection of the shipment declared as 'sweet mixed powder' but flagged for possible misdeclaration and regulatory non-compliance by CIIS-Port of Subic.

Laboratory analysis revealed that the sucrose content exceeded 65 percent, reclassifying the shipment as refined sugar contrary to its declared description.

The findings constitute violations of several regulations including SRA Sugar Order No. 7 and Sections of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Port of Subic District Collector Marlon Fritz Broto issued a warrant of seizure and detention on March 28, and the goods are now undergoing forfeiture proceedings.

In the first three months of 2025, the total value of smuggled goods confiscated by the BoC amounted to P25.581 billion.

The operation supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure food security and uphold trade integrity.