Philippine Customs Investigates E-Cigarette Recycle and Resale Scandal

Jul.31.2024

Customs bureau in the Philippines investigates the recycling and reselling of confiscated e-cigarette products, led by Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.

According to a report by The Manila Times on July 31st, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) in the Philippines ordered an investigation on Tuesday (30th) into an incident involving the alleged recycling and reselling of confiscated e-cigarette products.

Customs Director General Bienvenido Rubio has instructed Deputy Director of the Intelligence Unit Juvymax Uy to lead a comprehensive investigation into these items. Reportedly, these e-cigarette products were recently seized and placed under a "custody order" through mission commands.

Currently, the number of e-cigarettes is still being verified.

Rubio added that the directive also aims to identify any actions that may involve personnel from the Customs Department. The investigation will assess any potential administrative and criminal responsibility pertaining to these allegations.

The group has been instructed to submit progress reports weekly and a detailed factual investigation report within 30 days.

At the same time, Rubio reassured the public that the counterfeit goods worth 11 billion pesos (1.8 billion dollars) recently confiscated in Binondo, Manila are safe.

He stated that these goods will be subject to appropriate detention and confiscation procedures in accordance with the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and other relevant regulations.

References:

[1] Customs bureau orders probe of 'vape recycling'

Also Read:

[1] Philippines Customs Bureau Suspected of Corruption: E-Cig Products Worth Nearly $10 Million Possibly Resold

[2] Philippine House Committee Approves Bill Banning Online Tobacco Sales

[3] BIR Chief Personally Seized FLAVA E-cigarette Vending Machine, Encouraging Public Reporting

[4] Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue Implements New Tax Regulation

[5] DTI-FTEB and Southern Police Seize Illegal FLAVA E-Cigarettes Worth Millions

[6] DTI Task Force Seizes Unregistered and Non-Compliant Products

[7] Philippine Senator Proposes Stricter Regulation on E-Cigarettes with HHC

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