An operation by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through its Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD), resulted in the confiscation of counterfeit items worth P11 billion.
According to the BOC, owners were given 15 days to provide proof of payment of correct duties and taxes and evidence of legitimate importation, following the operation in Binondo, Manila on June 14. The BOC-IPRD also coordinated with brand owners to verify the authenticity of the products.
The seized items included luxurious brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Rolex, Apple, Hermes, and Dior.
Confiscated goods will be destroyed through shredding and rendering at facilities accredited by the BOC. Illegal products like such are aimed to be permanently removed from circulation, to prevent causing harm to the economic and propriety of legitimate brands, and the innocent public consumers.
"Counterfeit goods undermines legitimate businesses, leading to financial losses and weaken consumer trust. They also present health and environmental hazards and damage brands by associating them with subpar quality materials. Therefore, we remain steadfast in our efforts to combat intellectual property rights infringements,” Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio remarked.
Failure to present the required documents for verification would result in the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against the subject counterfeit goods pursuant. The warrant is under Sections 214 and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to RA No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
"This successful operation sends a clear message to counterfeiters that we are committed in upholding the law and protecting our markets,” Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy of the BO Intelligence Group declared.
