Customs seizes “misdeclared” medical devices

CEBU, Philippines — Over P1 million worth of regulated medical devices from China were seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Cebu after a shipment was found to have been misdeclared as “water purifier tube and bag.”

The shipment underwent a 100 percent physical examination upon arrival at the Cebu Port, resulting in the discovery of 78,720 regulated medical devices.

These included 24,000 peritoneal dialysis drainage bags, 43,200 sterile disposable intravenous infusion/administration sets, and 11,520 hemodialysis blood tubing sets.

The examination showed that the actual contents did not match the declared description. The items were also identified as regulated medical devices subject to requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

District Collector Atty. Zsae Carrie C. De Guzman issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention for violations of Sections 117 and 1400, in relation to Section 1113 (f) and (i) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, as well as applicable FDA laws, rules and regulations governing the importation of medical devices.

“The Port of Cebu remains vigilant against misdeclaration and other attempts to circumvent our laws,” De Guzman said in a statement.

The BOC withheld the name of the consignee in compliance with data privacy laws.

De Guzman vowed that the port would continue strengthening border protection measures and ensuring that regulated goods comply with the necessary requirements.

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the bureau is closely monitoring the entry of regulated goods, particularly products that may affect public health and safety.

“Mahigpit nating binabantayan ang pagpasok ng regulated goods, especially products that may directly affect public health and safety,” Nepomuceno said.

He said medical devices entering the country must be properly declared and comply with applicable requirements.

The shipment remains under BOC custody pending seizure and forfeiture proceedings.

The BOC said the enforcement action is part of its continuing efforts, under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to strengthen border protection, curb smuggling, protect government revenue and facilitate legitimate trade. (CEBU NEWS)