THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated recently P40-million worth of tobacco products.

The agency stated that this is a result its heightened border protection efforts.

The assorted tobacco products were placed inside 40 footer container shipped from China on June 22, 2022.

A Pre-Lodgment Control Order was issued by the Port’s District Collector Maritess T. Martin upon the recommendation of the Chief of the Customs Investigation and Intelligence Service-Field Station of the Port for possible violation of National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Memorandum Circular No. 03 Series of 2004 and NTA Board Resolution No. 079-2005, in relation to Section 1113 (f) of the Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization Tariff Act (CMTA).

Physical examination and further investigation revealed that the said shipment has no Import Clearance, Authority to Import, Authority to Transship Tobacco Products nor Transshipment Commodity Clearance Inbound issued by the National Tobacco Administration (NTA).

Martin stressed that securing necessary permits and clearances prior to importation is crucial as it is one of the factors in determining the legality of the shipment.

She also assured the public that the Port will continue to intensify its border protection efforts against the entry of illegal goods in the country.