MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated counterfeit branded clothing worth P482 million from Bangladesh.

According to the BOC, the seized shipments arrived at the Port of Manila in August 2025 from Bangladesh. To evade detection, the containers were transshipped through Singapore before being forwarded to the Philippines.

Intelligence reports prompted customs authorities to flag the shipment for inspection due to suspected misdeclaration and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) infringement. During a 100% physical inspection on October 9, 2025, officials found 1,287 boxes of counterfeit branded apparel falsely declared as socks. Each item had an estimated market value of ₱2,500, totaling ₱482,625,000.

The items bore the trademarks of several global and local brands, including Jag, Bench, Zara, Givenchy, Fubu, Lee, H&M, Cotton On, Lacoste, Burberry, Essentials, Champion, Jordan, Levi’s, Bathing Ape, Oakley, RRJ, Calvin Klein, and Off-White.

An inspection of the seized goods was conducted on October 30, led by Assistant Commissioner Atty. Vincent Philip C. Maronilla, together with Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Thomas M. Narcise, CIIS Field Station Chief Paul Oliver N. Pacunayen, and other key officials. Representatives from the affected brands were present to verify the counterfeit products.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) was issued on October 28, 2025, for violations of Section 118 (Prohibited Importation and Exportation) in relation to Sections 1113 and 1401 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. The shipments are now subject to condemnation, and the BOC is preparing criminal charges against those involved.

Assistant Commissioner Maronilla said the operation underscores the Bureau’s commitment to protecting Filipino consumers and legitimate businesses.

“The sale and distribution of counterfeit products not only deceive consumers but also harm honest businesses that comply with the law,” Maronilla said. “This operation reflects our continuing resolve to ensure that only legitimate goods enter the Philippine market.”

Brand representatives commended the BOC for its vigilance and expressed gratitude for its efforts in safeguarding intellectual property and promoting fair market competition.

Newly appointed BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to integrity and transparency under his leadership.

“We take this responsibility seriously because every counterfeit item that enters our borders affects Filipino livelihoods, both the workers behind legitimate brands and the consumers who deserve safety and authenticity,” Nepomuceno said. “As the new Commissioner, my focus is on strengthening enforcement, modernizing our systems, and ensuring that every action of the BOC reflects our mandate to serve the Filipino people.”