Dr. Bernie Anabo Jr
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized over 112,000 unregistered vape products misdeclared as insulated cups at the Port of Manila (POM). BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, alongside Deputy Commissioner for the Enforcement Group, Atty. Teddy Sandy S. Raval, Port of Manila District Collector Alexander Gerard E. Alviar, Acting Director of the Enforcement and Security Service Isabelo S. Tibayan III, and representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry – Office of Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (DTI-OSMV), led the inspection of the subject shipments on March 18, 2025.
The first shipment was flagged based on derogatory information received by the Enforcement Group, prompting the issuance of a Pre-Lodgement Control Order (PLCO) requested by Deputy Commissioner Raval that led to the inspection of two (2) 40’ 40-foot high-cube containers. The examination uncovered 233 cartons containing 46,600 assorted flavored vape products, with an estimated market value of PhP23,300,000.00 and supposed duties and taxes amounting to PhP30,204,936.21.
Port of Manila District Collector Alexander Gerard E. Alviar shall issue a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against the subject shipments for violations of Section 1113 about Section 1400 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and Republic Act No. 11900 otherwise known as Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
In a separate but related operation, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) – Port of Manila team requested the issuance of a PLCO on January 21, 2025, against three additional shipments suspected of containing unmanifested goods. Upon physical examination, customs examiners discovered 66,150 undeclared vape products hidden among boxes of insulated cups. The illicit items had an estimated total value of PhP72,434,250, with a supposed revenue of PhP39,359,250.
A total of 112,750 unregistered vape products with an aggregate estimated value of PhP102.639 Million were seized from both operations.
These enforcement efforts align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to curb smuggling and the illegal trade of tobacco and vape products. The BOC, in coordination with the DTI, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Philippine National Police (PNP), continues to enforce Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, to uphold product standards and prevent minors’ access to vape products.
Commissioner Rubio warned smugglers against attempting to bring contraband into the country, emphasizing the government’s firm stance against illicit trade. He stressed that the agency would not stop at apprehensions, as the BOC is similarly committed to filing criminal cases against violators. He also commended the Enforcement Group, Intelligence Group, Port of Manila, and partner agencies for their coordinated efforts in enforcing trade regulations and protecting public health.
