MANILA, Philippines — The government generated about P280 million in the first half from the sale of imports that were left behind by their consignees at various ports in the country.
In a report, the Bureau of Customs said it disposed a total of 1,041 overstaying cargo either through condemnation or public auction from January to June.
By batch, Customs raised P279.42 million in proceeds from the auction of assorted items, including rice and galvanized steel, shipped in 636 containers.
On the other hand, the agency condemned or destroyed altogether used clothing, rotten food, used oil, used furniture, among others, in the remaining 405 containers. The agency said most of the imports condemned would no longer sell any value in a public auction.
Under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, containers that were left behind by importers can be seized by the government. The law provides for modes of disposal depending on the value of the items in the market.
Cargo that have yet to be withdrawn from the ports within the regulatory period of 30 calendar days, or their consignees have yet to pay the right duties, taxes and charges, will be considered abandoned, unless covered by a duly issued alert order.
Upon the finality of a decree of abandonment, Customs will then determine what to do with the shipments, whether they will be sold by way of auction, condemned or donated.
Customs said these disposal activities not only brings in extra revenue to the government’s coffers, but also eliminates port and yard congestion.
The agency vowed to improve its service delivery through the final half of the year. It said the free flow of goods should be secured in a period when essential products, especially medicines, must be delivered on time to their distributors.
As of end-June, Customs collected P302.74 billion, exceeding by roughly P11 billion its target of P291.83 for the period. More than 25 percent, or P76.2 billion, of the total was generated by the Manila International Container Port.