BOC foils misdeclared shipment of electronic waste

Based on the BOC report, the consignee declared the shipment as used TV parts and electric parts. However, upon examination, it was found to contain electronic waste or discarded electrical or electronic devices. (File Photo By PhotoPhilia/Wikimedia commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said on Saturday it would investigate to determine the people behind the importation of electronic waste from South Korea.

In a statement, the bureau said the investigation will also pave the way for the filing of appropriate charges against those responsible for the importation of a 40-footer container of misdeclared assorted electronic waste.

The BOC-Manila International Container Port (MICP), together with the Environmental Protection and Compliance Division, inspected the shipment last November 21.

The container was consigned to Vision Restore and Equipment Corp. and arrived at the MICP on November 6.

Based on the BOC report, the consignee declared the shipment as used TV parts and electric parts. However, upon examination, it was found to contain electronic waste or discarded electrical or electronic devices.

On November 15, MICP District Collector Guillermo Pedro Francia IV issued an alert order against the container.

He also recommended the revocation of the accreditation of the importer and the customs broker to the Accounts Management Office.

The BOC will issue an order of re-exportation directing the consignee to return the shipment to its port of origin pursuant to Customs Memorandum Order 38-2019 in relation to the provisions of Section 14 of Republic Act 6969 and Article 8 of the Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, to which both the Philippines and South Korea are signatories.