DA suspends import clearance for mackerel

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture has suspended the issuance of import clearances for mackerel, following reports of diversion and misdeclaration in the imported fish.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered the suspension of the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) for mackerel, according to Department Circular 28.

The agency said it had received reports that imported mackerels were allegedly misdeclared and prone to diversion to wet markets and other areas.

The DA clarified that imported mackerel intended for canning are exempted from the import suspension.

All imported mackerel entering the country must now be properly labeled for canning purposes only and must not be distributed to local wet markets, in accordance with Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 275.

FAO 275 establishes rules that govern the food safety and traceability of all imported fish and fisheries products intended for human consumption. It also aligns international standards in monitoring illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

It also mandates that all importation intended only for canning purposes or processing must not be diverted, distributed, sold or utilized for purposes that are authorized under its import clearances.

The DA added that the initial allowable import volume for each licensed importer engaged in canning must be based on verified production volume.

It noted that succeeding allowable imports would be determined based on the importer’s VATable sales of canned products produced using imported mackerel, plus an additional 10 percent buffer.

Vatable sales records will now be submitted to the DA annually and will determine subsequent allowable import volumes for fish importers.