The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) recently seized beauty products valued at P8.65 million misdeclared as personal effects.
BOC-NAIA district collector Atty. Vincent Phillip Maronilla issued an alert order on 48 cartons containing glutathione and other beauty products brought in from Bangkok on February 13 by James Malinao Halasan.
The shipments came in two batches, the first weighing 927 kilograms and the second 1,120 kg, and filed under informal entry. An x-ray of the packages showed image irregularities, prompting the issuance of an alert order.
The customs examiner, in the presence of agents of BOC’s Enforcement and Security Service, X-ray Inspection Project, and Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force, examined the first batch of goods and found the misdeclared items.
The second batch, also declared as personal effects but suspected to contain the same misdeclared beauty products, was also placed on hold by BOC-NAIA.
In a press conference on February 28, Maronilla said another reason for inspecting the shipment was the quantity of packages that were brought in. Maronilla noted that large quantities are usually brought in by returning Filipino residents and not travellers, as Halasan was.
The packages were declared as personal effects, which under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act are items for personal use: either items of returning overseas residents or items bought abroad for personal use but within the limits allowed by law, explained Maronilla. Halasan’s packages were of commercial quantity and obviously not for personal use.
The glutathione and other beauty products will also be checked to determine if they are fake, and if proven so, Halasan may be charged in violation of intellectual property rights.
Halasan has been notified of the seizure proceedings. The case has been forwarded to BOC’s Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers for investigation. A criminal case will be filed if probable cause is determined.
The shipments’ customs broker, Isagani Cortez, will also be subject to investigation.
The seized shipments will be destroyed.
Customs commissioner Isidro Lapeña, during the same press conference, said the seizure of the misdeclared items should send a strong message to Filipinos who want to do business to declare properly and pay the right duties and taxes.
“We will see to it that the revenue due government will be given to government,” he said.
