Philippine Customs Uncovers $700,000 E-Cigarette Smuggling Case Involving Over 80,000 Mislabeled Items

Key points：

·Details revealed: 81,000 e-cigarettes falsely declared as kitchenware were seized in a smuggling case worth 40.5 million pesos (approximately $700,000), including refined paraffin wax and other illegal items. 

·Enforcement process: A "suspension order" was issued in January after receiving intelligence, on-site inspections in July confirmed violations, a seizure order was issued on the 23rd, and multiple legal actions are being pursued. 

·Official stance: Customs emphasizes cooperation across all agencies to combat smuggling, highlighting the dual risks to health and economy, and promoting secure and transparent trade.

[2Firsts News Flash] The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced on July 31, as reported by Tribune and Interaksyon, that they intercepted three containers at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) containing smuggled goods. These included a large quantity of e-cigarette products falsely declared as kitchen utensils, along with other regulated items, with a total value of 40.5 million Philippine pesos (approximately $700,000).

The seizure originated from negative information received by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) in January 2025, when a "stop order" was issued for the goods. On July 14, law enforcement officers conducted a 100% physical inspection of the goods and discovered 81,000 various e-cigarette products hidden in the containers, as well as several bags of refined paraffin, among other misdeclared items. On July 23, the Customs Bureau issued seizure and detention orders, as these goods are currently undergoing confiscation procedures for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) Sections 117, 1400, 1401, and 1113, Republic Act 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Administration Act), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regulations.

The Customs Bureau is currently conducting a case investigation to identify and prosecute the individuals behind the smuggling activities, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable according to the law.

Customs Commissioner Nepomuceno emphasized the need to remain vigilant in combating illegal imports, with actions being carried out through coordinated efforts across all agencies. The focus is on relying on intelligence support, swift execution, and taking legal action against those who evade customs laws.

Regional tax official Rizalino Torralba also stated that the smuggling of e-cigarettes poses significant health and economic risks. The customs department will ensure that only legally and properly declared goods are allowed to enter the country. The Philippine customs is increasing enforcement efforts through enhanced inter-agency coordination and data-driven risk management.

The Department of Health in the Philippines has pointed out that e-cigarettes pose significant health risks such as nicotine addiction, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. The country has previously reported and publicized the first case of lung injury caused by the use of e-cigarettes, involving a 22-year-old athlete who had been using e-cigarettes since childhood.