BOC: P18B worth of smuggled goods seized in Q1

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Thursday that its efforts against smuggling have yielded over P18 billion worth of seized items in the first quarter of 2024.

In a news release, the BOC said its anti-smuggling operations resulted in the seizure of P18.11 billion worth of smuggled goods in the January to March period.

Likewise, the BOC said that it marked 4.81 billion liters of fuel and collected P61.1 billion in duties and taxes.

The Customs added that it revoked the accreditation of 11 importers and three customs brokers, along with the filing of 16 criminal charges against unscrupulous stakeholders, as part of efforts to implement customs regulations and maintain trade integrity.

The BOC said it also made significant progress in digitalizing customs processes during the first quarter of 2024.

It said the pilot implementation of the e-Travel Customs System, along with the utilization of the Electronic Customs Baggage and Currency Declaration Form in nine international airports nationwide, significantly expedited customs procedures and consequently elevated the transacting traveler’s experience.

In terms of revenue collection, the BOC said it generated P219.385 billion, surpassing its first-quarter target by P8.489 billion.

The agency said additional revenue was collected through the Prior Disclosure Program and other audit findings, totaling P1.088 billion and P89.071 million, respectively.

Some P3.890 million was obtained through public auctions.

The BOC also established the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council—an initiative that aims to foster constructive dialogues between the bureau and the business sector, addressing customs and industry concerns effectively.

The Customs said it initiated collaborative efforts with the National Telecommunications Commission to caution overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and citizens against unscrupulous freight forwarders and ensure the security and integrity of balikbayan boxes.

The BOC also signed a memorandum of agreement with the Land Bank of the Philippines to streamline customs payment procedures. — VBL, GMA Integrated News