THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) seized approximately P11 billion worth of counterfeit goods during an operation last month.
Through its Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD), the agency confiscated counterfeit items in Binondo, Manila, including those carrying brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Rolex, Apple, Hermes, Guess, Vans, Santa Cruz and Dior.
The owners of the seized goods were given a 15-day period to provide proof of correct duty and tax payments, as well as evidence of legitimate importation, which lapsed on June 28.
“Counterfeit goods undermine legitimate businesses, leading to financial losses and weakening consumer trust. They also present health and environmental hazards, and damage brands by associating them with subpar quality materials,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said in a statement.
“Therefore, we remain steadfast in our efforts to combat intellectual property rights infringements,” he added.
If the owners failed to present the required documents, Rubio stated that a warrant of seizure and detention will be issued against the counterfeit goods.
This, in accordance with Sections 214 and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
The Customs chief said that the BoC-IPRD coordinated with brand owners to confirm that the seized items were counterfeit and infringed upon their intellectual property rights.
The counterfeit goods will be destroyed through shredding and rendering at agency-accredited facilities, ensuring the illegal products are permanently removed from circulation.
Rubio said that this will prevent “further harm to the economic and proprietary of legitimate brands owners, not to mention the innocent public consumers.”
For his part, BoC Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy said that they “will not tolerate any form of counterfeiting.”
“This successful operation sends a clear message to counterfeiters that we are committed to upholding the law and protecting our markets,” Uy said.
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