Seizure of health- and environmentally-damaging firecrackers and fireworks is good for Mother Earth and her children, group says
6 August 2026, Quezon City. The EcoWaste Coalition, an environmental health advocacy organization campaigning for “Iwas Paputoxic” since 2006, gave the customs authorities two thumbs up for their discovery and seizure of two illegal shipments of firecrackers and fireworks from China with a combined value of about P40 million.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno led the inspection of the two shipments at the Bureau of Customs – Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP).
“We applaud the BOC for intercepting these health- and environmentally-damaging firecrackers and fireworks, ensuring these hazardous products do not reach our children or threaten the environment with toxic smoke and residual waste,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “We expect those responsible for the illegal shipments to face prosecution, serving as a warning to potential smugglers.”
“As the Christmas and New Year festivities approach, rogue importers will likely try to introduce prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices into the Philippines. We urge customs officials across the country to maintain strict vigilance and carefully screen import manifests for falsely declared items,” she said.
A Facebook post from the BOC revealed that Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) flagged two shipments from China, each valued at roughly P20 million, following tips that the containers had hidden firecrackers and fireworks.
According to the BOC, the first shipment, declared as “shelves,” was voluntarily abandoned by the consignee, while the second one was declared as “ceramic cups.” Upon arrival, the shipments underwent physical examination, leading to the eventual discovery of misdeclared firecrackers and fireworks.
Republic Act No. 7183 prohibits and penalizes the importation of finished firecracker and firework products.
In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, the EcoWaste Coalition drew attention to other hazardous chemicals, products and wastes that are smuggled into the country’s ports, including:
— electronic waste;
— mercury for use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, particularly originating from Indonesia;
— contraband skin lightening products with mercury, especially Goree Beauty Cream from Pakistan;
— spray paints with high lead content, mainly coming from China;
— unauthorized toy and childcare articles;
— counterfeit cosmetics and household goods;
— illegal cigarettes and vapes;
— illicit drugs; and
— undocumented agricultural goods.
The BOC has an indispensable role as guardian of the port in blocking the unlawful entry of contraband chemicals, products, and wastes, and in protecting public health and the environment, the EcoWaste Coalition stated.
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