NFA, BOC renew pact vs rice smuggling

MANILA, Philippines - The National Food Authority (NFA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have renewed an agreement to jointly fight rice smuggling.

NFA Administrator Angelito T. Banayo and BOC Commissioner Angelito A. Alvarez signed recently a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to extend and strengthen a previous agreement between the two agencies to jointly pursue and prosecute rice smugglers.

Banayo said the proliferation of smuggled rice “deprives our farmers with a remunerative income from their produce.”

He said the NFA has not issued any import permit since July 1, 2010 when the new administration took over. Thus, any imports of rice without a permit are illegal, he added.

Recently, the BOC apprehended several containers of smuggled rice in various southern ports.

The agreement provides that for every import authority (IA) issued by the NFA for any rice importation, a copy is to be furnished to BOC.

It also provides that only the district ports and not any sub-port or private wharf should be designated as port of entry and discharge for incoming rice shipments.

The BOC should be informed of all incoming rice shipments, specifically on the volume, type and brand, country source and supplier in that country, importer, carrying vessel and designated port of entry and discharge.

Upon the arrival of the carrying vessel, the BOC can demand for the presentation the IA. Failure to present the same or any other violation will constitute a ground for the seizure of the shipment(s) or vessel.

Also provided for under the agreement is that the BOC be provided a copy of every transport permit (TP) to cover all coastwise or in-land movement of every rice shipment.