THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized over P50 billion worth of smuggled goods, including vape products and motor parts, between January and August this year.

BOC spokesperson Vincent Philip Maronilla announced this during a briefing on Friday, highlighting the agency's success in confiscating more than P1 billion worth of illegal tobacco and vape products.

Maronilla explained that most of the seized vape products originated from China.

He pointed out their biggest challenge is the absence of customs offices along many of the country's shorelines, which smugglers exploit to bring in illegal goods.

The smuggled items also include motor parts, which are often imported without the necessary permits and certifications, posing potential risks to consumers.

To address this issue, the BOC has intensified its monitoring and enforcement efforts along these vulnerable coastal areas by collaborating with the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard.

The agency is also tightening its regulatory measures, requiring importers of vape products to secure permits from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and ensuring these items are registered with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the BOC.

Similarly, motor parts must comply with standards set by the Philippine Bureau of Standards under the DTI, and in some cases, importers must obtain permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for emissions testing.

In a recent operation, the BOC discovered around P94 million worth of smuggled motor parts and suspected vape products in two warehouses in Manila and Laguna.

This discovery highlights the BOC's ongoing efforts to crack down on the illegal importation of goods into the country.

Maronilla reaffirmed the BOC's commitment to strengthening its anti-smuggling operations and urged companies to ensure they are properly accredited with the bureau to avoid penalties.(MyTVCebu)

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• #Bureau of Customs
• #Smuggling
• #Smuggled Goods
• #Vape
• #Motor Parts