BOC seizes P40-M worth of misdeclared firecrackers from China

The Bureau of Customs seizes P40 million worth of misdeclared firecrackers from China. (Photo by BOC/Viber)

MANILA, Philippines — Approximately P40 million worth of misdeclared firecrackers from China were seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the agency said on Tuesday.

According to the BOC, the two shipments which were valued at approximately P20 million each were flagged after showing indication of presence of fireworks and firecrackers.

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“The first shipment, declared as “shelves,” was voluntarily abandoned by the consignee, while the second shipment was declared as “ceramic cups,” the BOC said in a press release.

The BOC then noted that importing finished firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices is prohibited under Republic Act No. 7183 the law that regulates the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

The agency also said the seized items will be turned over to proper government offices to determine the appropriate case for filing and to facilitate their disposal.

READ: Customs bureau seen beating July revenue goal

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With this, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno warned smugglers that the goods they sell will eventually be confiscated by the government.

“Kung makikita natin, epektibo ang screening process natin. Iba’t ibang klaseng kontrabando ang nahaharang natin, kaya sana itigil na ng mga smugglers ang illegal na importasyon. Mauubos lang ang puhunan niyo,” Nepomuceno said in the same press release as he led the inspection of the seized firecrackers.

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(As we can see, our screening process is effective. We have seized different kinds of contraband; that’s why I hope smugglers will stop their illegal importation. They will just lose their profit.) /jpv