Customs tightens watch on Christmas items

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BoC) has begun to tighten its watch against the possible arrival of illegally imported in-demand December items such as Christmas lights and decorations, meat products and firecrackers.

BoC Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Horacio Suansing Jr. yesterday said that since the “ber” months have started, they are now “anticipating the importation of meat, decorations and plastic toys from September to December.”

He said it is during this period, a few months before the start of the holiday season, that there is a high demand for such items in the local market.

In response, Suansing said he has already ordered his personnel to be on full alert and exercise vigilance in monitoring shipments especially those coming from Hong Kong, Taiwan and other parts of mainland China.

He has instructed the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) to ensure that all cargo coming in are supported by complete and proper clearances or permits from other regulating government agencies and foreign suppliers and that they have paid the correct taxes and duties.

He added that the Philippine National Police-Firearms and Explosives Division (PNP-FED), for instance, should also issue appropriate permits for firecrackers and air-soft guns shipments.

Customs Police Division Chief Superintendent Jose Yuchongco said there is really a need for stringent monitoring to counter the efforts of unscrupulous traders to bring in the illegal shipments.

Yuchongco said these unscrupulous traders would not only be violating the law, but will also place the lives and properties of people at stake.

“The use of substandard Christmas lights causes fires and other accidents so the Customs police are very strict in checking if the imported products adhere to Philippine Safety Standards imposed by the Bureau of Product Standards,” Yuchongco said.