BOC files 79 criminal, admin raps vs erring importers, brokers in first half of 2021
Seventy-nine criminal and administrative cases have been filed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) against erring importers and brokers over the last six months, the agency said Friday, July 16.

A total of 167 individuals were the subject of the complaints filed by the Bureau's Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) from January to June 2021.
The cases were due to various violations of Republic (RA) No.10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA); and other pertinent laws.
According to the bureau, 47 criminal cases against various importers were filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) while 32 administrative cases were filed against customs brokers before the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC).
Data from BATAS showed that these cases involved the unlawful importation of cigarettes valued at P622 million, general merchandise amounting to almost P369 million, agricultural products valued at around P158.5 million, medicines amounting to P47.2 million, and other commodities worth P27 million.
The bureau said the filing of complaints is part of their mission to clamp down on erring importers and customs brokers who have violated Customs laws, rules, and regulations.