P11-B WORTH OF FAKE WATCHES, BAGS, SHOES SEIZED IN BINONDO

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC), through its Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD), seized counterfeit goods worth approximately P11 billion during an operation in Binondo, Manila.

The counterfeit items included 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 payment of correct duties and taxes and evidence of legitimate importation thereof, which lapsed on June 28, 2024.

For failure to present the required documents, a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) was issued against the subject counterfeit goods pursuant to Sections 214 and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to Republic Act 8293 also known as the  Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

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 facilities accredited by the BOC to ensure that the seized illegal products are permanently removed from circulation.

 “We will not tolerate any form of counterfeiting,” said BOC Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax R. Uy.

“This successful operation sends a clear message to counterfeiters that we are committed in upholding the law and protecting our markets,”he added.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said 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,” Rubio added.