THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced a major crackdown on counterfeit goods in Manila’s Divisoria district, seizing over ₱15.8 billion worth of fake luxury items.
The operation, conducted on May 23rd, involved a series of warehouse inspections by the BOC’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service – Intellectual Property Rights Division (CIIS-IPRD), in collaboration with representatives from Guess.
Over 1.7 million counterfeit bags, clothes, and accessories bearing trademarks of brands like Guess, Michael Kors, Coach, Louis Vuitton, and Tory Burch were confiscated.
According to the BOC, these sites had been identified as key distributors of counterfeit goods, operating both online and through physical stores.
Kristian Nico Acosta, legal counsel for Guess Philippines, stated that the raided warehouses had been under the brand’s surveillance for an extended period due to their suspected involvement in the widespread distribution of counterfeit products.
He praised the BOC’s improved efficiency under Commissioner Rubio, highlighting the use of technology, stronger collaboration with brand owners, and streamlined prosecution processes as key factors in the successful operation. Acosta’s comments underscore a significant improvement in the BOC’s ability to combat intellectual property rights violations.
The massive seizure represents a significant blow to the counterfeit goods trade in the Philippines and demonstrates the BOC’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and legitimate businesses.
The operation serves as a warning to those involved in the illegal trade of counterfeit goods.
