The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to introduce new regulations and monitoring systems for the importation of artificial sweeteners before the end of the year. This announcement was made by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. during a joint market inspection with the Department of Trade and Industry in Makati City. The initiative aims to ensure the accuracy of import volume data.
Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized the importance of obtaining precise data, stating that a forthcoming directive will mandate importers to obtain permits or at least notify the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) before importing artificial sweeteners. The initial plan included a PHP10 regulatory fee per bag, but this was postponed and reduced following objections from soft drink and beverage manufacturers to avoid inflationary pressures.
The DA chief also highlighted a significant increase in artificial sweetener imports, which he linked to a 20 percent drop in sugarcane production caused by the El Niño phenomenon. He noted that while farmgate sugar prices have decreased, the importation of sweeteners like fructose and sucrose has surged by nearly 25 percent. The SRA has clarified that the proposed order is not meant to control sugar imports but to ensure accurate reporting of import volumes.