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The Bureau of Customs seized a total of P61.71 billion worth of illicit goods through 1,024 enforcement operations in 2025
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General commodities were the most seized illicit goods in 2025, totaling P28.47 billion, followed by dangerous goods worth P5.63 billion, wildlife and natural resources with P4.80 billion, and tobacco products with P1.86 billion
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BOC revoked or suspended the accreditations of 40 importers and 12 customs brokers found to have violated customs laws and regulations
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BOC in 2025 marked 21.102 billion liters of fuel in 2025, generating P247.12 billion in tax revenue
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized a total of P61.707 billion worth of illicit goods through 1,024 enforcement operations, and revoked or suspended the accreditation of 40 importers and 12 customs brokers with violations last year.
The 2025 seizures were lower than the P85.167 billion netted through 2,116 operations in 2024, the BOC reported in a news release.
Based on preliminary data, general commodities were the most seized goods in 2025, totaling P28.47 billion.
Other top seized items last year were dangerous goods worth P5.63 billion, wildlife and natural resources at P4.80 billion, and tobacco products at P1.86 billion.
READ: BOC nets P105.6M smuggled cigarettes in Bataan
BOC also conducted 85 seizure operations involving agricultural products, with value of goods totaling P622 million.
BOC said these enforcement actions “helped protect public health, maintain fair market conditions, and safeguard government revenue.”
READ: BOC intercepts P12.96M in misdeclared agri goods at MICP
To strengthen compliance in the trade sector, BOC said it revoked or suspended the accreditations of 40 importers and 12 customs brokers found to have violated customs laws and regulations.
In support of law enforcement and prosecution efforts and as part of the bureau’s zero-tolerance policy, BOC also filed 64 criminal cases with the Department of Justice, including 31 cases involving agricultural smuggling.
Of these agricultural cases: 10 involved violations of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10845 or the Anti-Agri Smuggling Act and 21 involved violations of R.A. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
For the fuel marking program, 21.102 billion liters were covered, generating P247.12 billion in tax revenue.
Fuel marking — which started implementation in September 2019 under R.A. No. 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law — aims to curb oil smuggling and plug revenue losses arising from the illegal importation or misdeclaration of petroleum products.
READ: Fuel marking EOI deadline moved anew to Jan 16
As part of its enforcement efforts, BOC also recovered 30 motor vehicles linked to the Discaya couple, which were among those cited in previous Senate investigations related to the alleged anomalous flood control projects in the country. Of these, 13 vehicles were found to have violated customs laws and were issued warrants of seizure and detention.
BOC subsequently auctioned five of the forfeited vehicles, generating a total of P47.762 million, all of which was remitted to the national treasury as restitution to the government. The remaining forfeited vehicles are scheduled for auction in accordance with existing regulations.
“From dismantling smuggling networks and enforcing strict integrity policies to ensuring the proper disposition of seized goods and strengthening the Fuel Marking Program, the Bureau of Customs remains firmly committed to transparent enforcement that protects government revenue, legitimate trade, and the welfare of the Filipino people,” Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.
READ: BOC chief pushes digital shift to curb smuggling, secure supply chains
