BOC files 30 raps vs. erring importers, brokers in Q1 2022
In pursuit of transparency and border security, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) revealed Friday, April 22, that it lodged 30 criminal and administrative charges against erring importers and customs brokers who profusely violated customs laws, rules and regulations.

The BOC, through its Legal Service's Bureau Action Team Against Smugglers - Revenue Collection Monitoring Group (BATAS-RCMG) filed a total of 24 criminal cases from January to March 2022 against 73 individuals composed of importers, exporters, and customs brokers for violations of the Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and other pertinent laws.
Similarly, six administrative cases were filed against licensed customs brokers before the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Data from BATAS showed that the cases involved the unlawful importation of cigarettes valued at P160.4 million, agricultural products valued at P131.4 million, motor vehicles valued at P49.4 million, general merchandise amounting to P7.7 million, and other commodities valued at 7.2 million.
The BOC said that the filing of the cases were part of their intensified anti-smuggling efforts in coordination with the Department of Justice.