The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reminded its officials and personnel on the ban on the importation of "finished" firecrackers, fireworks, and other pyrotechnic devices.
In a memorandum signed on Monday, Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon directed District Collectors of all ports of entry in the country, Deputy Commissioners, and other concerned officials and personnel "to be more circumspect in denying entry and lodgement of finished firecrackers, fireworks, and other pyrotechnic devices in any port of entry in the country, and effect the seizure and forfeiture of the aforementioned."
He reiterated the prohibition stated in Republic Act No. 7183 (An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices), its revised Implementing Rules and Regulations, and Joint Memorandum Circular JMC No. 1 (s. 2014).
Under RA 7183, its IRR, and JMC No. 1 (s. 2014), only the importation of chemicals and explosive ingredients used in the manufacture of firecrackers, fireworks, and other pyrotechnic devices, is allowed.
However, such importation should be made by a duly licensed manufacturer holding the corresponding authority to import issued by the Philippine National Police - Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO).
The order was issued after the BoC was blamed for the proliferation of smuggled firecrackers being circulated and distributed in Philippine market.
With this, he noted that they will be coordinating with PNP-FEO to clarify if importation clearance is indeed granted even for finished firecrackers to be sold in the country.
Source: Philippines News Agency