The Bureau of Customs (BOC) started 2026 on a strong note after exceeding its January revenue target while sustaining aggressive nationwide operations against large-scale and high-value smuggling activities.
In January 2026, the BOC collected โฑ80.744 billion, surpassing its revenue target by โฑ513 million and posting a 100.6 percent collection efficiency. The figure also reflects a โฑ1.49 billion increase, or 1.9 percent growth, compared to the โฑ79.254 billion collected in January 2025.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the performance reflects the collective efforts of Customs personnel and stakeholders committed to compliance and reform, aligned with the administrationโs push for economic stability and public safety.
The Commissioner said exceeding the January target demonstrates the dedication of Customs personnel and the growing cooperation of the trade community, adding that the agency aims to sustain efficiency to support the governmentโs economic agenda and deliver reliable public service.
Alongside strong revenue collection, the BOC intensified enforcement operations nationwide. In January alone, the agency recorded 66 successful apprehensions, resulting in the seizure of smuggled and contraband goods valued at approximately โฑ886.8 million.
Among the biggest seizures were dangerous drugs worth over โฑ309 million, including illegal drugs valued at โฑ114.566 million concealed in shipments declared as malachite stones. Authorities also confiscated โฑ209 million worth of illicit cigarettes and tobacco products, including those discovered during a raid on an illegal cigarette manufacturing facility in Pampanga on January 28, 2026.
Customs enforcement units also seized vehicles and vessels valued at around โฑ143 million, as well as electronics worth over โฑ221 million, including undeclared mobile phones valued at โฑ1.68 million intercepted at the Port of Cebu.
Other enforcement operations targeted illegally imported agricultural products, wildlife and natural resources, food items, and other regulated goods that pose risks to consumers, local industries, and fair competition.
The BOC said it will continue strengthening intelligence-driven enforcement and sustaining collection efficiency to support national priorities on economic stability, public safety, and good governance in 2026.
