The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has announced a delay in implementing Sugar Order (SO) 6, which outlines the importation rules for various sugars and sugar-based products. This decision follows a letter from the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., highlighting potential issues such as delays in import processing, compliance costs, and the risk of rising prices for beverages and confectionery, which could impact Filipino consumers.
SRA Administrator Luis Pablo Azcona explained that the delay, originally set for February 1, was necessary to ensure all parties are comfortable with the new regulations. He emphasized the importance of dialogue with stakeholders, noting that the FPI had not yet engaged directly with the SRA or the Department of Agriculture (DA). Azcona reassured that any speculative fears about delays or cost increases could be addressed through discussions.
Addressing concerns about import clearance processing times, Azcona stated that the SRA efficiently handles thousands of import clearances annually for products like molasses, sugar, and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), with a maximum processing time of three working days. He assured that shipments arriving within 15 days would have their clearances ready upon arrival.
To further streamline the process, Azcona mentioned the development of an online portal to expedite clearance times. He also dismissed any justification for increasing the prices of beverages and confectionery, pointing out that the fees charged by the SRA are minimal, at just 0.08 percent of the cost, or about 0.06 centavos per kilogram, PHP3 per bag, or PHP60 per ton. These fees are significantly lower than those for sugar and HFCS.
Despite the delay, Azcona stressed the need to collect technical data on other sugar imports, prevent misdeclaration, evaluate actual demands and substitutes, and develop an effective sugar supply plan. He reaffirmed that all sugars and their by-products are under the SRA’s jurisdiction.