Customs seizes P40.5-M misdeclared Chinese vape products

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) has seized three containers carrying P40.5 million worth of misdeclared vape products and other regulated goods from China at the Manila International Container Port.

In a statement on Thursday, Customs said the shipments, which originated from China, were falsely declared as 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,” Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said.

The BoC noted that hold orders for the shipments were issued as early as January 2025, following derogatory information received by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS).

“A 100% physical examination was conducted on July 14, which led to the discovery of 81,000 pieces of assorted vape products, along with sacks of fully refined paraffin wax and other misdeclared items,” it said.

A case build-up is currently underway to identify and prosecute those responsible for the unlawful importation, the BoC said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante