Strict customs inspection impedes goods distribution

CEBU, Philippines - Strict inspection of imported goods in Cebu ports has caused delays in the distribution of products to the local markets, said the Philippine Retailers Association Cebu Chapter.

PRA Cebu president Robert Go said that while Cebu has not experienced "very worst" port congestion unlike Manila, many cargo shipments here have been delayed for a maximum of one month because of strict examination of goods.

“That is also the problem. Importers are being slapped with charges for payment of the delayed withdrawal of goods,” Go said in an interview.

Go has warned that if port problems are not resolved as soon as possible, the economy would eventually be affected as the smooth flow of goods in and out of local ports are hampered.

The slow delivery of goods could also have an impact on the prices of products sold by retailers. The added costs that come with the delay in testing of imported goods could affect consumers in general.

Products coming into the ports go through the process of quality testing before they are released to the market for local consumption.

As a result, the PRA official pointed out, artificial shortage of basic and vital products in the local market is being experienced.

“You see, the impact is hitting our GDP (gross domestic product) growth because we are experiencing out-of-stock. Our food manufacturers are having a problem,” he said.

Consumer Welfare Chief Zaide Bation of the regional Department of Trade and Industry said various products have to go through product standard examination before they are discharged from the ports.

The products under the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) Product Certification Scheme include: household appliances; mechanical and construction materials; lamps and lighting products; wiring devices, wires and cables; and chemical and consumer products.

She said these products must bear the Product Safety and Import Commodity Clearance marks which are given to importers after stringent examination.

Go said this may cause delay for local businesses, exporters and importers in receiving raw materials.

When sought for comment, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Teresa Chan said the chamber has already brought the port issue to District Collector Roberto Almadin of the Bureau of Customs Port of Cebu.

Chan said the customs official has already looked into the current situation of seaports.  (FREEMAN)