• The Bureau of Customs confiscated 112,750 unregistered vape products misdeclared as insulated cups with an estimated value of P95.734 million at the Port of Manila
• The first shipment was flagged based on intelligence reports, leading to the discovery of 46,600 assorted flavored vape products valued at P23.3 million, with potential duties and taxes of P30.2 million
• In a separate case, another 66,150 undeclared vape products were found hidden among insulated cups, with a total estimated market value of P72.43 million
• The shipments were seized for violating Section 1113 and Section 1400 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated 112,750 unregistered vape products misdeclared as insulated cups with an estimated value of P95.734 million at the Port of Manila.
Customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, alongside Deputy Commissioner for the Enforcement Group, Atty. Teddy Sandy Raval, Port of Manila District Collector Alexander Gerard Alviar, Acting Director of the Enforcement and Security Service Isabelo Tibayan III, and representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), led the inspection of the illicit shipments on March 18.
The first shipment, flagged through intelligence reports, led to a Pre-Lodgement Control Order (PLCO) issued by Raval. A physical inspection of two 40-foot high-cube containers revealed 46,600 flavored vape products, estimated at P23.3 million, with potential duties and taxes reaching P30.2 million, the BOC said in a statement.
Following the seizures, the POM district collector confirmed that a warrant of seizure and detention would be issued for violations of Section 1113 and Section 1400 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and Republic Act No. 11900, also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
In a parallel operation, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Port of Manila sought the issuance of a PLCO on January 21, targeting three shipments flagged for potentially carrying unmanifested goods. A subsequent physical inspection by customs authorities revealed a cache of 66,150 undeclared vape products concealed within boxes of insulated cups. The contraband was valued at an estimated P72.4 million, with the government reportedly missing out on approximately P39.4 million in revenue.
According to BOC, efforts to strengthen enforcement measures are being carried out in collaboration with DTI, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the Philippine National Police. These measures aim to uphold trade laws and restrict unauthorized vape sales, particularly to minors.
Rubio reiterated the agency’s firm stance against illicit trade, warning smugglers that the bureau will not only seize illegal shipments but also pursue legal action against violators. He also commended the coordinated efforts of customs enforcers and partner agencies in curbing the illegal entry of contraband goods.
