BoC seizes P1.18B 'smuggled' vapes, 'ukay-ukay'

The crackdown on unlawful vaporized products and used clothing, commonly known as ukay-ukay, continues as the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has padlocked another warehouse containing the said illegally imported goods, this time in Valenzuela City.

According to a report from the Bureau of Customs-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), their agents found allegedly smuggled disposable vapes, vape pods, ukay-ukay, handheld and desk fans, phone chargers, Chinese food items, wireless headsets, disposable syringes, office chairs, wall panels, and other assorted merchandise. The total value of the seized goods amounts to P1,180,069,900.

CIIS Director Verne Enciso said the seized vapes, used clothing, and fake goods stored in the Valenzuela warehouse came from China. Further, Enciso noted that the total vape products found were worth around P320,069,900, while the allegedly smuggled ukay-ukay products and other general merchandise were valued at an estimated P860 million.

“We found various vape brands in the warehouse during the inspection. The total of P320 million for the vape products alone includes the excise taxes that the government should have collected from the importation of these products. Once again, our BOC personnel showed exemplary resilience and dedication in stopping these products from entering the domestic market,” Director Enciso said.

The other products, including used clothing and branded phone chargers, among others, found in the warehouse were valued at P860 million.

Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy explained why consumers must understand the importance of boycotting smuggled and counterfeit products.

“Consumers are being victimized twice by counterfeit and smuggled products. First, they buy products made of unsafe and substandard materials. These products pose health risks. And second, smuggled products do not have warranties and guarantees. So, they are not only inferior to their original counterparts, they also put their consumers at financial and health risks,” he said.

The CIIS-MICP temporarily placed padlocks and seals on the subject warehouse, while the inventory of the goods that the assigned Customs examiners will conduct is to be scheduled. The CIIS, Enforcement and Security Service, and respective warehouse representatives will witness the examination of the goods.

The warehouse and shop owners can face charges for violating Section 117 (regulated importation and exportation) and Section 1400 (misdeclaration in goods declaration) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to Section 1113 (property subject to seizure and forfeiture). They will also face charges under Republic Act 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines; Republic Act 10963, the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion; and National Tobacco Administration Board Resolution No. 079-2005 (amended rules and regulations governing the exportation and importation of leaf tobacco and tobacco products).