Steel industry lauds BOC crackdown on smugglers

MANILA, Philippines -The public-private efforts to rid the domestic market of smuggled steel products have scored a major victory with the filing of anti-smuggling cases against importers initiated by the Bureau of Customs, the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) said.

Roberto Cola, PISI president, said the smuggling-related charges filed by the BOC are sure to sow fear among smugglers and make them think twice before making illegal importations again.

“Customs Commissioner John P. Sevilla is on the right track; there is no better way to show the BOC’s resolve in ending smuggling than by initiating the filing of strong cases against technical and outright smugglers and seeing through their conviction,” Cola said.

Sevilla, in approving the filing of smuggling-related cases said: “Although there is strong demand for steel products, we cannot let these illegal and unsafe products enter the local market. We are working very hard to prevent the technical smuggling of substandard products that pose danger to people who will use them.”

Cola said the prompt actions made by the BOC and DTI strengthened the resolve of the domestic steel makers to double their efforts in intensifying the public-private campaign versus smuggling.

“The PISI and the different steel industry associations will continue to work with the BOC and DTI in the campaign versus smuggling and proliferation of substandard steel products through our constant market monitoring and designation of industry technical experts in the various ports across the country,” Cola added.