MANILA — A total of 40 importers and licensed customs brokers have been charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for alleged violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported.

In a statement, the BOC said that from July 1, 2025, to the present, 14 criminal cases were filed against importers, their representatives, and customs brokers for unlawful importation activities, including technical smuggling, misdeclaration, and undervaluation of goods, aimed at evading proper duties and taxes.

The agency also recorded four criminal convictions during the term of Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, stemming from smuggling cases filed in previous years.

“These convictions mark a significant milestone in customs enforcement, demonstrating that cases pursued by the Bureau can and do reach successful judicial resolution,” Nepomuceno said.

He added that the BOC remains relentless in its campaign against smuggling and other fraudulent activities, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to uphold the integrity of trade operations.

“Following the President’s directive, we will vigorously root out smuggling and revenue fraud, and we will hold unscrupulous importers and brokers fully accountable for any attempt to defraud the government,” Nepomuceno said.

“Through sustained enforcement, continued prosecution, and the securing of convictions, the BOC remains focused on safeguarding government revenue, protecting local industries, and upholding the integrity of the country’s trade system,” he added.