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The Bureau of Customs seized P482.6 million worth of counterfeit branded apparel from shipments that arrived at the Port of Manila in August 2025
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The counterfeit goods, originating from Bangladesh, were transshipped through Singapore to evade detection
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Upon 100% physical inspection on October 9, authorities found 1,287 boxes of counterfeit apparel misdeclared as socks
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The seized items bore trademarks of global and local brands including Zara, Bench, Lacoste, Levi’s, Jordan, H&M, and Jag, among others
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A warrant of seizure and detention was issued on October 28, for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines
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Customs assistant commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla led the inspection on October 30, with brand representatives confirming that the products are fake
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized P482.6 million worth of counterfeit branded apparel from shipments that arrived at the Port of Manila in August 2025.
The counterfeit shipment, which originated from Bangladesh, was transshipped through Singapore in an attempt to evade BOC profiling systems, the agency said in a press release.
Intelligence reports prompted the agency to flag the containers for inspection, revealing 1,287 boxes of counterfeit branded apparel misdeclared as socks. Each item had an estimated market value of P2,500, bringing the total to over P482 million.
A 100% physical examination conducted on October 9, confirmed the misdeclaration and violation of intellectual property rights. The seized apparel carried trademarks of both international and local brands, including Jag, Bench, Zara, Givenchy, Fubu, Lee, H&M, Cotton On, Lacoste, Burberry, Essentials, Champion, Jordan, Levi’s, Bathing Ape, Oakley, RRJ, Calvin Klein, and Off-white.
A warrant of seizure and detention was issued on October 28, citing violations of Section 118 (Prohibited Importation and Exportation) in relation to Sections 1113 and 1401 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
BOC said the shipments are now subject to condemnation, with criminal charges to be filed against those responsible.
Brand representatives thanked the agency for its vigilance and dedication to protecting intellectual property rights and encouraging fair competition.
The seized items were inspected on October 30, led by assistant commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla, together with Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) director Thomas Narcise and CIIS field station chief-Port of Manila Paul Oliver Pacunayen, alongside representatives from the affected brands who verified the counterfeit goods.
“The sale and distribution of counterfeit products not only deceive consumers but also harm honest businesses that comply with the law,” Maronilla said. “This operation reflects our continuing resolve to ensure that only legitimate goods enter the Philippine market.”
BOC commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno also reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, transparency, and public service.
“We take this responsibility seriously because every counterfeit item that enters our borders affects Filipino livelihoods, both the workers behind legitimate brands and the consumers who deserve safety and authenticity,” Nepomuceno said.
READ: BOC seizes P15.8B worth of counterfeit goods
