Customs seizes 402 undeclared balikbayan boxes worth over Php1M

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MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized a consolidated shipment at the Manila International Container Port found to have 402 undeclared balikbayan boxes worth over Php 1 million from Singapore.

In a statement, the bureau said the shipment was declared to contain 133 packages of household goods and personal effects but failed to declare the over 400 other boxes, 380 of which contained pre-mixed flour and pork floss consigned allegedly to popular Singaporean brand BreadTalk.

The BOC identified the consolidator as Philbase Express Freight Logistics Corp.

Customs officials verified that the 402 boxes have an estimated value of Php 1,707,243.52, including duties and taxes.

The shipment also contained seven of ball casters consigned to Seek and Find Instaparts Corp.; seven boxes with 200 per carton each of Quebee protective eyewear consigned to Basic Occupational; and five boxes with 144 pairs of Worksafe protected eyewear consigned to Worksafe.

Enforcement Group Deputy Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno issued an alert order on the 1×40’ shipment after it underwent x-ray examination.

On the other hand, the alert order has reportedly been lifted to pave the way of continuous processing of documents and release of the 133 packages, subject to compliance of existing Customs laws, rules and regulations.