The Bureau of Customs (BOC), acting on the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border security and protect consumers, announced the successful seizure of counterfeit wearing apparel valued at an estimated ₱482.6 million. The operation, led by the BOC’s Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD), targeted shipments that attempted to enter the country through the Port of Manila (POM).
The shipments, which arrived in August 2025, originated from Bangladesh but were cleverly transshipped through Singapore in an attempt to evade the Bureau’s profiling system. Based on intelligence reports indicating suspected misdeclaration and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) infringement, the containers were flagged for a 100% physical inspection on October 9, 2025.
Customs authorities confirmed that the 1,287 boxes contained various counterfeit branded apparel, despite being deliberately misdeclared as “socks.” The seized items bore the trademarks of numerous popular global and local brands, including Jag, Bench, Zara, Givenchy, Fubu, Lee, H&M, Cotton On, Lacoste, Burberry, Essentials, Champion, Jordan, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, and Off-white, among others.
An inspection confirming the counterfeit nature of the goods was held on October 30, 2025, attended by Assistant Commissioner Atty. Vincent Philip C. Maronilla, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Thomas M. Narcise, and brand representatives.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) was issued on October 28, 2025, citing violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) (Section 118 in relation to Sections 1113 and 1401) and the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 8293). The shipments are now subject to condemnation proceedings, and the BOC is actively pursuing criminal charges against all parties involved in the scheme.
Assistant Commissioner Maronilla emphasized the dual goal of the operation:
“The sale and distribution of counterfeit products not only deceive consumers but also harm honest businesses that comply with the law. This operation reflects our continuing resolve to ensure that only legitimate goods enter the Philippine market and uphold the integrity of our economy.”
Newly appointed BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcement and service under his leadership.
“We take this responsibility seriously because every counterfeit item that enters our borders affects Filipino livelihoods, both the workers behind legitimate brands and the consumers who deserve safety and authenticity,” Commissioner Nepomuceno stated. “My focus is on strengthening enforcement, modernizing our systems, and ensuring that every action of the BOC reflects our mandate to serve the Filipino people.”
Brand representatives commended the BOC for its diligence and vigilance in protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring fair market competition.
