BOC seizes P1M worth of undeclared boxes

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs (BoC) on Tuesday seized 402 undeclared balikbayan boxes worth over P1 million at the Manila International Container Port.

The consolidated shipment found to be undeclared were from Singapore. The 402 boxes have an estimated value of P 1,707,243.52, including duties and taxes.

In a statement, the BoC said the shipment was declared to contain 133 packages of household goods and personal effects. However, over 400 other undeclared boxes were determined, 380 of which contained pre-mixed flour and pork floss consigned allegedly to popular Singaporean brand BreadTalk.

According to the BoC, Philbase Express Freight Logistics Corp. was the consolidator of the shipment.

During the inspection, the bureau discovered that the shipment also contained seven ball casters consigned to Seek and Find Instaparts Corp.; seven boxes with 200 per carton each of Quebee protective eyewear consigned to Basic Occupational; and five boxes with 144 pairs of Worksafe protective eyewear consigned to Worksafe.

Enforcement Group Deputy Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno issued an alert order on the 1x40’ shipment after it underwent x-ray examination. This was later on lifted to pave the way for continuous processing of documents and releasing of 133 packages, which should comply to Customs laws, rules and regulations.