BOC seizes P40.5 million misdeclared vape products

MANILA, Philippines — About P40.5 million worth of misdeclared vape products from China were seized at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), according to the Bureau of Customs.

The BOC said in a statement that 81,000 pieces of assorted vape products, sacks of refined paraffin wax and other misdeclared items were seized after an inspection of three container vans.

The inspection was conducted after the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service at MICP received information that the shipping containers were declared to contain kitchenware.

“Our 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,” said BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.

The contraband items are currently under forfeiture proceedings for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act and other trade regulations.