BOC seizes P15.8 billion fake goods

MANILA, Philippines — As the entry of counterfeit products into the country continues, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated almost P16 billion worth of fake luxury goods in Manila.

In a statement yesterday, the BOC said 1.73 million pieces of counterfeit goods valued at P15.8 billion were seized in Divisoria.

The counterfeit items include bags, clothes and accessories bearing the trademark of luxury brands Coach, Guess, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors and Tory Burch.

The operation was part of the government’s campaign against fake goods and intellectual property rights violations, according to the BOC.

It emphasized that the proliferation of counterfeit goods discourages investors from pouring resources into the country as it distorts fair competition in the market.

Counterfeit items pose health and safety risks, the BOC said.

An investigation showed that counterfeiters had been distributing fake items through physical stores and online platforms.

“We are serious about our mission to keep counterfeit goods out of the country. This is about protecting the public, supporting legitimate businesses and ensuring a level playing field in the market,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.

The BOC said it would continue to work with brand owners, e-commerce platforms and enforcement partners to uphold consumer protection.