Ched Rick Gatchalian

Article (news)

BOC seizes P9-M ‘misdeclared’ sugar in Manila port

Job Manahan

ABS-CBN News

MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated around P9 million worth of “misdeclared” sugar in the Port of Manila, an official said on Friday.In a televised briefing aired on state-run PTV, BOC spokesperson Vincent Maronilla said the sugar did not have any permission from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).“Nagkataon na ito ay dumating sa ating bansa, walang maipresenta na permit galing sa SRA itong mga shipment ng asukal na ito. Ang resulta niyan ay seized ng BOC,” Maronilla said.The consignee violated Section 117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and Sugar Order No. 6, according to the official.The lack of import allocation clearance is a violation since the country is protecting the country’s sugar products.“Ang control mechanism natin ay itong SRA sugar allocation permit. Itong sugar allocation na ito ay nagbibigay permiso sa isang importer o negosyante na mag-angkat ng asukal sa isang specific amount o volume lamang,” he said.“Kapag wala nito, hindi maaaring mag-angkat ang isang importer, even if rehistrado siya sa SRA, kinakailangan pa rin ng permiso para specific ang volume ata detalye ng kanyang ipaparating na asukal,” he added.The BOC earlier said they were able to intercept the 20-foot container vans from Thailand which contained 1,000 sacks of refined sugar.The operation was made in coordination with the Agriculture department.  Another shipment was abandoned, containing 1,040 bags labeled as “sweet mixed powder.”“The registered importer disowned the cargo, citing unexpected arrival and demurrage costs. District Collector Alexander Gerard E. Alviar issued a Decree of Abandonment, and the Bureau awaits confirmation from SRA laboratory testing on the product’s sugar content,” the release read.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated around P9 million worth of “misdeclared” sugar in the Port of Manila, an official said on Friday.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated around P9 million worth of “misdeclared” sugar in the Port of Manila, an official said on Friday.