BIR seizes P604-m toiletries in raids

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Monday said it seized more than 390,000 bottles of perfume and toilet water products estimated at P604.3 million during recent raids conducted on 400 establishments.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. led the nationwide raid of excisable perfume and toilet water products last Sept. 27 and 28, 2023.

Toilet water is a kind of perfume that consists mostly of water and does not have a strong scent.

“400 plus factories, warehouses, and stores containing 390,000 plus bottles of perfume and toilet water were raided by the BIR for violating excise tax regulations. Big or small, every business has to comply with excise tax regulations,” Lumagui said in a statement.

Revenue Regulations No. 9-2023 provides that every person, whether individual or juridical entity, who intends to engage in business as a manufacturer, producer, or brand owner availing the services of a toll manufacturer, subcontractor, or import-dealer of perfumes and toilet waters shall file an application in writing for a permit to engage in such business with the Commissioner of Internal Revenue through his duly authorized representative.

Whether the individual or entity is a local manufacturer or producers, brand wwners engaging toll manufacturers or subcontractors, importers, or toll manufacturers or subcontractors, permits should be secured from the Excise LT Regulatory Division.

A permit to operate for excise tax purposes, is a separate requirement from a BIR Certificate of Registration.