MANILA – The Bureau of Customs said it seized some 1,250 tons of white rice that came from Thailand after its importer, Tres Mujeres Agri Venture, failed to present government importation permits.
It said the rice arrived in 50 (20-footer) container vans at the Manila International Container Port on June 2, 2014 and have an estimated market value of about P50 million.
The shipment was subject of derogatory information received by the Bureau’s Enforcement Group. Upon further verification with the National Food Authority, it was found that this particular shipment of rice was not issued any import permit, according to Customs officials, adding, the shipment also remained unclaimed 30 days after it arrived at the port.
According to the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, the shipment is considered abandoned by the consignee.
“Regardless of circumstances, it is very clear in the law that import permits are a requirement before the Bureau can clear regulated shipments like rice and all illegally imported items are subject to seizure.”
“We will no longer tolerate nor allow situations where importers can clear shipments without valid permits as this puts our people in compromising situations and breeds corruption. It’s strictly ‘no permit, no entry,” Customs Commissioner John Sevilla said.
There was no immediate statement from the consignee about the seizure of the rice shipment.
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