P2.1-M used clothes seized at Manila container port

“BOC agents uncovered PHP2.1 million worth of ‘ukay-ukay’ from the shipment of Proline Logistics Phils. Inc. with office address at 302 & 302A, The Centennial Escolta St., Binondo, Manila,” BOC Commissioner Isidro Lapena announced Wednesday. (PNA photo)

MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized a 40-foot container of used clothing worth PHP2.1 million at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

“BOC agents uncovered PHP2.1 million worth of ‘ukay-ukay’ from the shipment of Proline Logistics Phils. Inc. with office address at 302 & 302A, The Centennial Escolta St., Binondo, Manila,” BOC Commissioner Isidro Lapena announced Wednesday.

Lapena said the shipment was declared as personal effects and household goods but upon x-ray examination, it yielded suspicious images similar to bundles of “ukay-ukay”, prompting authorities to conduct a physical examination.

The shipment arrived at the MICP on Feb. 27 from Hong Kong. It was processed by customs broker Salvador Labiano Jr.

An alert order was issued on March 7 by then MICP District Collector lawyer Balmyrson Valdez to prevent the release of the banned shipment.

The cargo will undergo seizure and forfeiture proceedings for violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 4653 or An Act to Safeguard the Health of the People and Maintain the Dignity of the Nation by Declaring it a National Policy to Prohibit Commercial Importation of Textile Articles, commonly known as Used Clothing and Rags.

The importer also misdeclared the goods, which is a violation of Section 1400 on the Misdeclaration, Misclassification, and Undervaluation in Goods Declaration of RA 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

“We will be filing charges against the importer and broker involved in the illegal importation of prohibited goods. And if warranted, we will suspend their Customs accreditation,” Lapena added.