PISI prods Customs to seize P95-M rebars from China

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) wants the Bureau of Customs to seize P95-million worth of reinforced steel bars (rebars) from China allegedly brought in by a company engaged in the food business.

PISI president Roberto Cola said the importation of some 5,000 metric tons of rebars was made by Mannage Resources Trading Corp. late last month.

Cola said it was the first time for Mannage to import rebars since the company is in the food business.

He said the shipment is worth around P95 million but Mannage’s subscribed capital was only P400,000.

Aside from asking Customs to seize and detain the rebars, PISI has also requested the district collector of the port of Subic, where the cargo was unloaded, to hold the processing of the import entry of Mannage until the completion of tests to make sure the rebars are not substandard to ensure public safety.

PISI said the Customs department had issued an alert order on the cargo for lack of permit and a hearing had been set on May 17 and 18.

Rebar is one of the few products that are monitored for mandatory safety certification.

Based on current practice, PISI said at least 250 samplings and tests must be conducted on the shipment to establish their quality.

Cola urged industry representatives to be present at the testing of the rebars by Bureau of Philippine Standards.