BOC inspects imported car dealers in intensified campaign vs. smuggling

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has begun inspecting imported cars in auto centers as part of an intensified campaign against car smuggling.

In a press statement, the BOC said its Customs Police and BOC Enforcement Group inspected 39 imported cars at the Buendia Car Exchange and the 387 Auto Center, both along Jupiter Street in Bel-Air, Makati, on Aug. 27.

The inspection teams checked for proof of payment of duties and taxes, the imported Certificates of Registration with the Land Transportation Office and other documents.

Vehicles inspected included Audi, Lexus, Mercedes Benz, BMW sedans, Hummer and Range Rover SUVs, as well as Porsche and Corvette sport cars.

“While all 39 vehicles our teams inspected in Makati yielded no negative findings, we will continue to exercise the visitorial powers of the bureau to ensure that auto dealers and traders are complying with the law and are not fencing smuggled cars,” said Customs Deputy Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.

The inspection of imported vehicles is part of the BOC and the Department of Finance's intensified campaign against car smuggling.

On May 14, the DOF issued Department Order No. 32-2014 which requires owners and operators of car exchanges, garages, auto trades and other similar establishments to present proof that duties and taxes have been paid on the imported vehicles.

The order directed the BOC to seize imported vehicles if the dealer fails to show proof of payment of duties and taxes.

The BOC said the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines likewise empowers the BOC to inspect imported goods outside the ports, including those in warehouses and retail establishments with prior authorization from the Customs commissioner, and to seize items that are clearly smuggled. — Elizabeth Marcelo/JDS, GMA News