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Bureau of Customs inspection in Binondo, Manila nets about P110 million worth of smuggled goods with suspected fake brand names
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Investigators eye possible violations of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act
Some P110 million worth of smuggled goods suspected to be copies of luxury brands were seized by Bureau of Customs and army operatives during a recent inspection of a warehouse in Binondo, Manila.
Armed with a Letter of Authority issued by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, the team from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service Field Office-Intellectual Property Rights Division, BOC-Port of Manila, and Armed Forces of the Philippines inspected the warehouse located at One Soler, Binondo.
BOC said an initial inventory of the goods showed numerous items bearing the trademarks of Hermes, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and Gucci, as well as Marvel, Disney, Hot Wheels, Hello Kitty, Cars, Spiderman, Toy Story, and Iron Man.
Further investigation is underway for possible violations of Republic Act 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, and RA 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
In its annual report, BOC said it seized P21.651 billion worth of counterfeit goods in 2021.
