A February 15, 2012 press release from the Department of Finance, Bureau of Customs
A completely knocked down (CKD) Suzuki station wagon, jet ski, three units of Honda motorcycles, Yamaha scooter, and 36,000 pieces of bicycle tires and tire flaps, with a combined value of about P25 million, were seized recently upon orders of Commissioner of Customs Ruffy Biazon after these were found to have been misdeclared during scanning by the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) X-Ray Project officials.
In the media presentation of the seized items today, Biazon explained that importer Cimberly Enterprises tried to pass its shipment of Suzuki station wagon and motorcycles which arrived at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) in October last year from Japan as used mini-tractors, grass cutters, compressors, bicycles, motorbike parts, and gasoline engines. Upon X-Ray scanning of the container van, however, the misdeclaration was discovered. The combined dutiable value of the Cimberly Enterprises shipment was placed at P3 million.
Moreover, Royal Halo Enterprises tried to bring into the country, also in October last year, 36,000 pieces of bicycle tires and tire flaps from China with an estimated dutiable value of P22 million as bicycle pumps, pedals, and chains to avoid the ten percent duties on tire importation. The misdeclaration was, however, discovered by BOC-X-Ray officials, upon scanning of the 40-footer container van, at the MICP.
“It is never a wise idea to try to earn windfall profits by trying to short change the government. Importers who think they can earn big money easily through illegal importation may find themselves, not just losing money instead, but in deep trouble with the law as well,” Biazon stressed.
“The Bureau’s capability to detect misdeclarations and misclassifications has now improved significantly through its enhanced X-Ray program. I am warning all importers then, to comply with the country’s laws to avoid problems,” he added.
For her part, BOC X-Ray Project Head lawyer Lourdes Mangaoang also warned smugglers not to chance into slipping illegally imported goods in the country through misdeclaration saying that, “Our scanners are three times more powerful than the ones being used in the United States.”
The corresponding Alert Orders for the Cimberly Enterprises and Royal Halo Enterprises shipment were issued by MICP District Collector Ricardo Belmonte Jr., upon recommendation of MICP-X-Ray Project officials.
Biazon has ordered the filing of appropriate charges against all those involved in the aforementioned illegal importation.
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