P1-B WORTH OF ILLICIT VAPE PRODUCTS SEIZED IN NAVOTAS

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Saturday confiscated an estimated 3,174 master boxes of unregistered electronic cigarettes and vape products worth around P1 billion in an enforcement operation  in Navotas City.

The operation reinforces the government’s intensified efforts to curb the entry and circulation of unregulated goods that pose risks to public health and undermine lawful trade.

Authorities said the seizure stemmed from investigations by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service–Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) regarding the suspected storage of vape products that do not comply with regulatory requirements.

Subsequent surveillance indicated probable violations, leading to the issuance of a Letter of Authority (LOA) and Mission Order.

A composite team from CIIS-MICP, Enforcement and Security Service-MICP, Formal Entry Division, and the Legal Service–Revenue Collection Monitoring Group implemented the LOA, with assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard, and in coordination with local police and barangay officials.

Upon lawful entry into the facility, authorities discovered a substantial volume of vape products and related items suspected to have been misdeclared and unlawfully imported.

Initial findings revealed that the seized products are unregistered and lack the required Philippine Standard (PS) License or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC), in violation of Republic Act No. 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act).

The items are likewise subject to the Department of Trade and Industry’s suspension order on certain brands.

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized that the operation is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify enforcement against illegal trade and protect consumers.

“Malinaw ang mandato ng Pangulo: palakasin ang border control. Hindi lang ito usapin ng paglabag sa batas — usapin ito ng kaligtasan ng publiko. Ang mga produktong hindi rehistrado at hindi dumaan sa tamang pagsusuri ay maaaring magdulot ng panganib sa kalusugan ng mamamayan,” Nepomuceno said.

Warehouse representatives were directed to submit valid documentation within 15 days to prove regulatory compliance. Failure to do so will result in the seizure and forfeiture of the goods, along with the possible filing of appropriate charges.

This operation stands among the largest seizures of vape products this year.

The Bureau reaffirmed that it will not allow the proliferation of unregistered vape products, which bypass mandatory safety checks, proper labeling, and ingredient verification.

It said that these products pose serious health risks to consumers.

Nepomuceno said the BOC remains steadfast in protecting public welfare and ensuring that only compliant and properly regulated goods enter the market.