A TOTAL of 300 cylinders of refrigerant gasses that contain Trifluoromethane, a known alternative to ozone-depleting substances, were confiscated by the Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Cebu.
Upon the cargo’s arrival from China, an official of the Environmental Protection and Compliance Division (EPCD)-Cebu immediately requested for a Pre-lodgment Control Order based on the derogatory information that the impotation did not have any clearance from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).
Under the DENR-EMB Memorandum Circular No. 2005-03, the importation of alternative ozone-depleting substances such as Trifluoromethane should be covered by the Pre-shipment Importation Clearance before it gains entry into the country.
Because of the absence of an advanced importation clearance, District Collector Charlito Martin Mendoza immediately issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the cargo based on Section 117 related to Section 1113 (F) and (L-5) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Acts.
The confiscated cargo is now under the custody of the port and should be disposed of properly once forfeiture proceedings are done.