As higher prices loom: Meat importers want Customs express lane

MANILA, Philippines – The country’s largest group of meat processing companies has called on the Department of Agriculture to create a  special express lane to speed up the release of meat imports  following the decision of the DA to cancel all meat import permits.

“We are deemed legitimate processors and we would like to be included in a super green lane processing in the Customs. In more than 40 years of our operations, the group has not violated anything,” Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI) executive director Francisco Buencamino said.

The group warned that a delay in the release of meat imports may raise the prices of meat products such as ham during the holidays.

Buencamino said approximately P4,500 per container per day is charged to importers for extended plug-ins and stay at the Customs.

“We just don’t know how much of the cost will be passed on. At the moment, we can still handle absorbing the cost and other adjustments. But there is already actual cost of replugging, storage, shipping, and delayed deliveries,” Buencamino said.

Likewise, the Meat Importers and Traders Association Inc. (MITA) said the revalidation of clearances and non-issuance of new clearances is wreaking havoc on the sector and the sub-sectors it serves.

“Non-issuance mean lost business opportunities, as well as the besmirched reputation of our country, its government agencies and businessmen. The Philippine economy will ultimately pay in the form of reduced GDP,” MITA president Jesus Cham said.

“Don’t tell us that there’s no cost to it because there is. There is an added cost when they should have been released already and converted to canned products. Everyday there is an added cost and we don’t know how long this is going to happen,” Buencamino said.

Meanwhile, Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon assured meat importers the agency would continue to examine and release imported meat products despite the DA’s decision.

“We will not hesitate to comply with orders, and we will not contradict other regulatory agencies. But for this one, we have to clarify with them because no memo has reached my office yet. For now, we will continue with the status quo,” he said.

Faeldon also assured there would be no port congestion and undue delay in operations and the supply and demand for meat would not be compromised.