BOC seizes P200-M imitation bags, clothes

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized P200 million worth of counterfeit branded bags and clothes at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) yesterday.

The BOC said some of the fake goods were in a 20-foot shipping container, reportedly consigned to the Bangladesh Business Corp., that arrived at the MICP from China last March.

The shipment was declared to be unbranded clothes and slippers, BOC officials found that there were nearly 5,000 pieces of imitation branded clothes.

Another shipment, consigned to NSGV Trading, arrived in a 40-foot shipping container last May. The firm’s proprietor denied ownership of the shipment.

BOC examiners found 15,960 “class A” imitation high-end bags, footwear, wallets, eyewear and clothing.

The BOC said the consignees and their customs brokers are being investigated for smuggling as well as violation of Republic Act 8293, the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

The BOC has coordinated with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines and will inform the brand owners of the counterfeit goods.