THE Bureau of Customs (BOC), operating through the Port of Cebu, has intercepted two 40-foot containers containing 78,720 units of regulated medical devices valued at approximately ₱1.041 million after they were misdeclared as “water purifier tube and bag.”
A thorough 100% physical examination of the shipment uncovered 1,800 cartons packed with 24,000 peritoneal dialysis (PD) drainage bags, 43,200 sterile disposable intravenous (IV) infusion sets, and 11,520 hemodialysis blood tubing sets.
Customs officials confirmed that the actual cargo significantly contradicted the declared description and failed to meet mandatory Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance requirements.
Following the inspection, District Collector Atty. Zsae Carrie C. De Guzman issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) on August 24, 2026.
The seizure was executed due to violations of Sections 117 and 1400, in relation to Section 1113 (f) and (i) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), alongside applicable FDA regulations governing medical device importations.
“The Port of Cebu remains vigilant against misdeclaration and other attempts to circumvent our laws,” said District Collector De Guzman. “We will continue to strengthen our border protection measures while ensuring that regulated goods entering the country comply with the necessary requirements.”
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reinforced the agency’s strict stance on health-related imports, stressing that unregulated medical equipment poses a direct threat to public safety.
“Mahigpit nating binabantayan ang pagpasok ng regulated goods, especially products that may directly affect public health and safety,” Commissioner Nepomuceno stated, adding that the bureau will ensure full compliance on all medical goods entering the country.
The seized medical items remain in BOC custody pending formal forfeiture proceedings.
