DA halts issuance of mackerel import permits

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) suspended the issuance of clearances to import mackerel to prevent its diversion to wet markets.

Based on Department Circular No. 28, the suspension aims “to prevent misdeclaration and diversion of fish and fishery/aquatic products.”

READ: DA temporarily halts importation of mackerel, scad

The agency imposed the import ban amid reports that importers allegedly misdeclared mackerel shipments and diverted them to other markets.

The DA said it will only issue sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) for mackerel imports for canning purposes.

Mackerel shipments should include the label, “Imported for canning purposes only and not for distribution to wet markets. Violation thereof is punishable under penalty of law.”

“The initial allowable import volume for each licensed Importer engaged in canning shall be based on verified production volume,” according to the circular.

“Subsequent allowable import volume shall be determined based on the importer’s VATable sales of canned products produced using imported mackerel, plus an additional 10 percent buffer,” it added.

Importers must annually submit VATable sales records that will serve as the basis for future import volume allocations.

Section 8 of Fisheries Administrative Order No. 275 bars importers from using fish imports for purposes beyond their approved clearances.

Likewise, the directive issued last year tightened food safety and traceability rules for imported fish and aquatic products.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources issues licenses to importers before they can import fish and other aquatic products. /pai INQ