BOC flags misdeclared P1.04-M medical devices at Cebu port

MANILA, Philippines — Around P1.04 million worth of medical devices were flagged at the Port of Cebu after they were misdeclared as a water purifier tube and bag, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Thursday, Sept. 17.

According to the BOC, two 40-foot containers were found carrying at least 78,720 medical devices during its examination procedures. It added that the items did not correspond with its declared description.

READ: BOC seizes P53-M smuggled medicines, other goods at Manila port

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These include 24,000 peritoneal dialysis drainage bags, 43,200 sterile disposable intravenous infusion or administration sets, and 11,520 hemodialysis blood tubing sets that were packed in 1,800 cartons.

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All of the seized items were identified as regulated medical devices subject to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) requirements.

“The Port of Cebu remains vigilant against misdeclaration and other attempts to circumvent our laws. We will continue to strengthen our border protection measures while ensuring that regulated goods entering the country comply with the necessary requirements,” BOC Cebu District Collector De Guzman said in a statement.

The containers remained under BOC’s custody as seizure and forfeiture proceedings continued.

The shipment allegedly violated Customs Modernization and Tariff Act under Sections 117 and 1400, in relation to Section 1113 (f) and (i), as well as FDA regulations under the importation of medical devices. /mr