The Philippine Customs Service (BOC) has seized 112,750 unregistered vape products at the port of Manitra with an estimated value of more than $1.7 million. The products were found during multiple inspections, partly disguised as “plastic insulation.”
Key points:
1. The Philippine Customs Agency seized 112,750 unregistered vape products valued at over 95.7 million pesos (approximately $1.7 million) at the port of Manila.
2. The product was found during multiple inspections on March 18, partially disguised as “plastic insulation” and involving multiple containers.
3. The Customs will issue arrest and detention orders for these goods by relevant laws, and recover duties and taxes.
Philippine Customs seizes 110,000 illegal e-cigarettes
The Philippine Customs Service (BOC) seized 112,750 unregistered vape products valued at more than P95.7 million ($1.7 million) at the port of Manila. PNA reported on March 20.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said in a press release on March 20 that the items were seized during multiple inspections on March 18. He mentioned that the first shipment was flagged based on adverse information received by the BOC enforcement team, and subsequently. Deputy Commissioner Teddy Raval applied for a Preparatory Case Control Order (PLCO), which led to the inspection of the two containers.
The inspection found 233 cartons containing 46,600 vape products of various flavors with an estimated value of 23.3 million pesos ($410,000) and an estimated duty and tax liability of 30.2 million pesos ($530,000).
The Territorial Collector of the Port of Manitra will issue a seizure and detention order for these goods under Republic Act No. 11900 and applicable laws.
In addition, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services Unit at the Port of Manila requested the issuance of PLCO for three additional shipments suspected of containing undeclared cargo. Customs inspectors found 66,150 undeclared vape products in a batch of thermos cups. The products are valued at approximately 72.4 million pesos ($1.26 million) with an estimated tax payable of 39.3 million pesos ($700,000). The goods were declared as “Plastic insulation material”.
