Customs seizes P1.35-M worth of iPhones at NAIA

The customs examiner, who conducted the check in the presence of the customs appraisers and an x-ray inspector from XIP, found 30 units of undeclared iPhone 7 Plus model #A1660 after conducting 100% physical examination.
(Photo: Bureau of Customs – http://www.customs.gov.ph/)

MANILA, Aug. 11— The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized some Php1.35-million worth of iPhone 7 plus units at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal.

According to Maj. Jaybee Raul Cometa, BOC Xray Inspection Project (XIP) head,
the branded cellphone units were discovered after the baggage of Chinese passenger, Su Miaoquiao showed image irregularity during the x-ray examination.

The customs examiner, who conducted the check in the presence of the customs appraisers and an x-ray inspector from XIP, found 30 units of undeclared iPhone 7 Plus model #A1660 after conducting 100% physical examination.

He was on board Xiamen Airlines Flight MF 819.

“The importation of smartphones is considered legal if the importer declared it as taxable items and can present the proper National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) import permit to the customs authorities,” said Cometa in a statement.

“However, Miaoquiao violated Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and the NTC regulation after failing to declare the Apple smartphones and failing to present the corresponding permit,” he said.

The seized mobile units are now at the In-Bond Room at Terminal 1 while the investigation is still pending.