Philippines Customs Seizes 110,000 Unregistered Vapes Misdeclared as Tumblers in Manila Port
Manila, March 27, 2024 – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines has intercepted two shipping containers at the Manila International ContainerPort(MICP),confiscating approximately 110,000 undeclared vaping products falsely declared as "tumblers" to evade regulations and taxes.
According to the BOC, the seizure followed intelligence reports prompting a joint inspection with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Upon examination, authorities discovered the containers were filled with branded e-cigarette devices and refillable pods instead of the declared goods. The estimated market value of the seized items exceeds ₱20 million (around $360,000).
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio stated that the operation underscores the agency’s commitment to combating smuggling and misdeclaration. He warned that illegally imported, unregistered vapes not only violate customs laws but also pose public health risks, particularly to minors.
Under Philippine regulations, all vaping products must be registered with the FDA, and importers must declare shipments truthfully while paying proper duties. The implicated consignee now faces smuggling charges, which may lead to criminal prosecution and administrative penalties.
The seizure marks another success in the government’s intensified crackdown on illicit vapes, following similar operations nationwide last year. The BOC vowed to enhance inter-agency efforts to curb such violations.
(End)
Background Notes:
The Philippine Vape Law mandates FDA registration for all e-cigarette products.
Smuggling or misdeclaration may result in hefty fines and imprisonment under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).