The Bureau of Customs filed smuggling charges against three importers of used clothing or “ukay-ukay” and kitchen for misdeclaring their shipments that arrived in the country last year.
Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said criminal cases were filed against the importers before the Department of Justice.
“The latest complaints had brought to 112 the cases filed before DoJ against importers and Customs brokers under his term,” he said.
According to the bureau, Akiza One Six Eight Eight Eight Trading was charged for alleged unlawful importation and misdeclaration of 100 sacks of used clothing, 450 sacks and 150 cartons of mixed fabrics and swatches.
Instead of declaring the items, the consignee declared its shipment as used surplus furniture and kitchenware last October. The shipment was seized at the Manila International Container Port.
Summer Beast Enterprises Co. was also charged for alleged illegal importation and misdeclaration of 539 bales of used clothing and other goods such as inkjet glossy paper, yoga mat, wearing apparel, phone holder, various foodstuff, air purifier, various cell phone accessories, cellphones, USB, vape, medicines, medical supplies, personal effects, and antennas.
The importer declared its shipment as Xueya brand paper products, Blue King brand LED light strip, Medial brand yoga mat, Wellone Brand wearing apparel, and Topo brand phone holder. The shipment was also seized last October also at the MICP.
GT Enterprise was likewise charged for the alleged smuggling of five shipments declared as 6,060 cartons of ceramic kitchenware but found loaded with 9,102 cartons of Banma mosquito coils, 218 cartons of kitchen wares, dinnerware, and 50 pieces of Banma mosquito empty cartons. The shipments were intercepted last August at the Port of Cagayan de Oro.
The bureau said the consignees and their respective licensed Customs brokers “purportedly committed various violations” of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.