THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Wednesday it will strictly implement measures on the entry of secondhand clothing and imported food products amid the continued spread of the novel coronavirus in several countries.
The commercial importation of used clothing, popularly known as “ukay-ukay,” is prohibited by law, while imported food products should have the necessary permits from agencies such as the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Food and Drug Administration.
“Right now, we’re high on alert on used clothing. May premium ang ukay-ukay kasi. That’s one of the easiest way na puwede mo ma-transmit ‘yung sakit na ‘yan,” Customs assistant commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla said.
“We’re now looking at critical items na puwede mag-carry ng virus na ‘to. It doesn’t hurt that we be vigilant about them kasi illegal naman talaga ang pagpaparating ng ukay-ukay. Hinuhuli naman namin regularly ‘yan pero ngayon on heightened alert kami,” he added.
Maronilla said the BOC is coordinating with the DA and the Department of Health over the government’s response to preventing the entry of the 2019 novel coronavirus into the country. (GMA News)
