BOC intercepts P24-M worth of vegetables from China

The Bureau of Customs has seized P24-million worth of vegetables from China that were misdeclared as fruits. Photo from BOC-Public Information and Assistance Division

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated five shipments of misdeclared agricultural products from China worth P24 million.

Customs said Thursday that based on its x-ray and physical inspections, the shipments were declared as apples, oranges, and pears when its contents were in fact carrots, onions, and potatoes.

The seized carrots have an estimated value of P15 million; onions, P4 million; and potatoes, P5 million, according to BOC.

BOC also said that four of the five shipments were consigned to Ingredient Management Asia Inc., while the other was consigned to Mcrey International Trading.

The Bureau of Customs has seized P24-million worth of vegetables from China that were misdeclared as fruits. Photo from BOC-Public Information and Assistance Division

According to the bureau, the misdeclared products arrived at the Manila International Container Port on separate dates last month.

Examination conducted by BOC officers also revealed discrepancies in the weight and declared value of the shipments.

The Bureau of Customs has seized P24-million worth of vegetables from China that were misdeclared as fruits. Photo from BOC-Public Information and Assistance Division

BOC said misdeclaring shipments is a violation of Sections 1400, 1113, and 117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act; Republic Act 3720 or the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; and Republic Act 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.

Cases to be filed before the Department of Justice are being readied against the consignees, BOC noted. /kga