Manila: Stakeholders have expressed their support for the Sugar Regulatory Administration’s (SRA) Sugar Order No. 6, which outlines guidelines for the importation of certain sugar and sugar-based products, reports Philippine News Agency.
The implementation of SO 6 was initially put on hold due to concerns raised by the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI). The group cited potential delays in import processing, added compliance costs, and possible price increases in beverages and confectionery products.
Philippine Sugar Millers’ Association, Inc. (PSMA) President Terence Uygongco defended the order, saying it aims to regulate the entry of alternative sweeteners and sweetened products while monitoring their impact on the market.
“This order is essential for the Sugar Regulatory Administration to get a clearer picture of sugar supply and demand in the country,” Uygongco said. He noted that despite economic and population growth, demand for sugar has been declining.
He also emphasized that the SRA, as a regulatory agency, needs accurate data on all market factors and should not rely solely on external sources like the Bureau of Customs.
Meanwhile, Philippine Association of Sugar Refineries, Inc. (PASRI) President Renato Cabati clarified that the fees and requirements under SO 6 are standard procedures meant to establish uniform policies for sugar and other sweeteners.
“The order does not impose restrictions on alternative sweetener imports. It only requires an SRA clearance for release, which is different from an import permit,” Cabati said.
Both PSMA and PASRI maintained that the fees are minimal and will not burden consumers.
On Thursday, SRA Administrator Luis Pablo Azcona reassured FPI that obtaining an import clearance under SO 6 takes only three working days. He also revealed ongoing efforts to introduce an online portal that could further reduce processing times.
The fees under SO 6 are set at 0.08 per cent of the total cost, which translates to 0.06 centavos per kilo, PHP3 per bag, or PHP60 per ton.
