DA suspends galunggong imports

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture has suspended the importation of frozen galunggong, bonito and mackerel for canners, processors and institutional buyers following reports that imported fish stocks are diverted to the wet markets.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Order 14 authorizing the suspension of the issuance of the sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) for the importation of frozen round scad, mackerel and bonito for canning and processing processes as well as for institutional buyers.

The issuance of the SPSIC is required prior to any importation of agricultural and fishery products in the country since the document certifies that the imported items are safe for human consumption.

The suspension will take effect 15 days after the issuance of the memorandum order dated April 1.

“The DA received several reports that fish and fishery/aquatic products imported under Fisheries Administrative Order 195, series of 1999 (FAO 1995), intended for canning, processing or for institutional buyers are being diverted to wet markets,” Tiu Laurel said.

He pointed out that the identified imported fish that are “prone” to diversion were round scad, bonito and mackerel.

Tiu Laurel explained that he suspended the issuance of the SPSICs for imported fish to “prevent diversion to wet markets” of the products.

However, the importation of mackerel for canning purposes is still allowed, although it will be subjected to an additional condition stipulated under the memorandum order.

The volume of imported mackerel for canning purposes shall be based on the “VATable (value-added tax) sales of the canned product from the previous year with additional 10 percent of said sales for buffer,” according to the order.

The DA chief also imposed additional labeling requirements for all imported fish products under FAO 195, which would state that the imported stocks are intended for canning purposes and not to be sold in wet markets.

The imported fish products must contain the following label in a “clear” and “readable” font size: “Imported under FAO 195 for canning purposes only and not for sale or distribution to wet markets and supermarkets.”

In 2022, the DA tightened its rules on the importation by canners, processors and institutional buyers of various fish species including round scad, bonito and mackerel to prevent market diversion.