The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) for the Asia/Pacific region, held a pivotal regional workshop from May 14 to 17, 2024, in Hanoi, Vietnam. The workshop focused on sharing best practices for combating counterfeiting and piracy in alignment with the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Strategy adopted by the WCO.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) stands in full support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to implement a 24/7 shipment process, recognizing the imperative need for round-the-clock operations to accommodate the increasing influx of shipments into the ports.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark seized 2,132 grams of High-Grade Marijuana or Kush and 156 pieces of Assorted Cannabis Infused Disposable Vapes with a total estimated value of Php 3,979,929 concealed inside a parcel declared as “Accessory” from California, USA.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) continues to improve its revenue collection efficiency, achieving yet another milestone by surpassing its collection target for the fifth consecutive month in May 2024. Preliminary reports indicate that the BOC collected an impressive PhP81.753 billion, exceeding its revenue target of PhP79.621 billion by 2.68%, equivalent to PhP2.132 billion.

In its continued efforts to strengthen the anti-illegal drug campaign, the Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), seized a parcel containing 323 grams of kush, a high-grade marijuana, with an estimated street value of Php 4,524,800 on May 29, 2024, at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.

The International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) paid tribute to several government agencies for their exceptional dedication and service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This heartfelt recognition extends to various government agencies, including the BOC, for their tireless efforts in supporting the nation’s battle against the virus.

On May 23, 2024, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Davao, in coordination with the Task Force Davao (TFD), seized PhP 17.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes. The intercepted items consisted of 15,150 reams of cigarettes, 35 sacks of assorted shoes, and 1 unit of truck.

In a strong show of unity and shared commitment in moving the nation forward, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the country’s industry leaders convened the first General Assembly of the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) to streamline customs clearance processes, achieve revenue targets, and address industry-specific challenges.

As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance trade facilitation, the BOC is working towards the full implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) and ASEAN Single Window (ASW) initiatives.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Collection District X has issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against heavily tinted van loaded with 2,899 reams of undocumented Fort and Cannon Methol cigarettes intercepted during a checkpoint in Brgy. Maria Cristina, Iligan City with the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) on May 16, 2024.