BOC files smuggling raps vs. 2 ‘ukay-ukay’ importers

Two separate cases were filed on Wednesday against G-Joyce Enterprises and Zainar General Merchandise, for the violation of Section 1400 in relation to Section 1401 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Republic Act 4653 and Section 172 of the Revised Penal Code. (Photo courtesy: BOC-PIO)

MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) filed smuggling charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against two Davao-based companies over illegal importation of prohibited used clothing and rags valued at more than PHP4 million.

Two separate cases were filed on Wednesday against G-Joyce Enterprises and Zainar General Merchandise, for the violation of Section 1400 in relation to Section 1401 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Republic Act 4653 and Section 172 of the Revised Penal Code.

“Two counts of smuggling charges were filed against Zainar while one versus G-Joyce for their attempt to smuggle ukay-ukay at Port of Davao,” Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said in a statement Thursday.

Charged were owner of Zainar, Berkis Nuh Abdu of Sasa, Davao city and his customs brokers, Remar Ferniz Mansari and Asniel Mocaram Diamad, and owner of G-Joyce, Griechelle Joyce Ballon Basio of Tagum City and his customs broker, Asniel Mocaram Diamad.

In November 2017, two container vans from Korea arrived at the Port of Davao consigned to Zainar General Merchandise. Lapena issued an alert order for the shipment filed under Import Entry Numbers C20595 and C20593.

The consignee declared the goods as packages of blankets, bed sheets, pillowcases, carpets, and caps but were found to be used blankets, bed sheets, pillowcases, scarfs, socks, pants, jackets and shirts with a total value of PHP3,685,854.06 and total duties and taxes of PHP1,274,415.26.

The Customs chief said that majority of the contents of the container were used pants, shirts, and jackets.

Also, another container van from Malaysia consigned to G-Joyce Enterprises was placed under alert order by the Commissioner.

The shipment declared under Import Entry Number C20601 said to contain bed sheets, bags, curtains, shoes, and pillowcases but was found to contain used clothing with a total value of P567,424.89 and total duties and taxes of PHP198,224.

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“One of the booming businesses in our country is the selling of ukay-ukay. Because of its cheaper price, it is often patronized by the consumers over high-priced clothing,” the Customs chief said.

However, the law provides that in order to preserve the dignity of the nation, we must stop buying these items.

“Not only does it undermine our dignity but it also poses greater risk to our health. Used clothing, according to research, can cause skin diseases, itchiness, redness, and may trigger allergies,” he said. (PNA)