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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BOC nabs ₱40.5 million worth of misdeclared vapes from China

BOC nabs ₱40.5 million worth of misdeclared vapes from China

Published Jul 31, 2025 02:16 pm
(BOC photo)
(BOC photo)
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized ₱40.5 million worth of misdeclared vape products and other regulated goods from China at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) amid heightened campaign against smuggling.
In a statement on Thursday, July 21, Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the shipments, which originated from China, were falsely declared as kitchenware.
Nepomuceno noted that the operations are “anchored on a whole-of-agency approach that prioritizes intelligence, swift execution, and legal action against those who attempt to evade customs laws.”
The BOC had issued Hold Orders for the shipments as early as January 2025, following derogatory information received by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service - MICP (CIIS-MICP).
A 100 percent physical examination conducted on July 14, 2025, led to the discovery of 81,000 pieces of assorted vape products, along with sacks of fully refined paraffin wax and other misdeclared items.
Warrants of Seizure and Detention were issued on July 23, 2025. The shipments are now undergoing forfeiture proceedings for violations of Sections 117, 1400, 1401, and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, and relevant Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regulations.
The BOC is also conducting a case build-up to identify and prosecute those responsible for the unlawful importation.
MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose C. Torralba added that “Smuggling operations involving vape products pose significant health and economic risks. The MICP fully supports Commissioner Ariel in safeguarding our borders and ensuring that only lawful and properly declared goods enter the country.”
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