Proposal to legalize importation of ukay-ukay studied

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) would coordinate with lawmakers on the proposal to legalize importation of second-hand clothing into the country.

Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez said he already had a meeting with Oriental Mindoro Rep. Rey Umali, Leyte Rep. Andres Salvacion and Batangas Rep. Tomas Apacible on the study to legalize importation and selling of used clothes, popularly known as “ukay-ukay.”

“They said that they would keep an open mind. They said that there is a need for a thorough study such as on the anticipated revenues that we generate and its impact on the garments or textile industry,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez noted the garments industry sector did not raise any objection against the proliferation of ukay-ukay stores.

A law has declared the importation of used clothing as illegal to protect the local garment industry.

“But to my knowledge, the garments sector has been weak,” he said.

Alvarez urged lawmakers to speed up their study on the proposal to eventually legalize the importation of used garments.

Alvarez promised that Customs would provide the lawmakers all information regarding illegal importation of used clothing.

“The problem here is that we do not have baseline data on this because importing used clothing is illegal, that is smuggling. But there is one section within the bureau that handles the garment shipments, where we could get the volume of importation,” he added.

Alvarez said that if importation of used garments is finally allowed, it could earn the country an estimated P700 million in taxes and duties annually.

He estimated that 1,000 container vans of used garments arrive in the country every year.

This is why Congress should now revisit Republic Act 4653 or the law declaring the importation of used clothing and garments illegal, he said.

Alvarez noted the ukay-ukay business has helped create jobs.

“Assuming that there are 5,000 outlets and for each outlet there are four persons, if you multiply that the ukay-ukay business helps 20,000 people,” he said.