THE period for the issuance of fish import permits has been extended to end-June to stabilize supply and prevent price spikes.
This is to give “more time for importers,” Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told the Inquirer.
In February, the DA authorized the importation of 25,000 metric tons of various frozen fish and seafood.
“This will also add variety in the market, especially for food service industry, since fish and marine species covered by this importation are mostly fish and marine products not caught locally,” Tiu Laurel said earlier.
“This should not affect local fishermen and should help in the ease of doing business,” he added.
Eligible importers had been originally allowed to import various fish and seafood products from March to May.
In a subsequent issuance, the DA said the last day of issuing sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) was on April 23. But in a recent memo, the SPSIC issuance was further extended to June 30.
Qualified importers who have yet to utilize their initial allocation of 56 metric tons and subsequent 140 MT, may apply for the combined volume until May 23, based on Memorandum Order No. 27 issued on May 27.
Allocations will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Failure to meet the said deadline will be a basis for the forfeiture of the individual allocation and which will then be included in the importation volume for other qualified importers,” it added.
The importation round is open to importers who have been accredited for at least one year before this order was issued and those who participated in previous importations.
Those with pending cases or under investigation for violating food safety or importation rules, incomplete documentary requirements or without Bureau of Customs accreditation at the start of the importation period are excluded. (Jordeene B. Lagare © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
