Sugar regulator simplifies importation of other sweeteners
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) of the Philippines has simplified the import process for sugar alternatives. If the SRA doesn’t respond within five working days, the application is deemed approved. Requirements like interisland shipping permits and GMO declarations are eliminated. A clearance fee of ₱3 per 50-kg bag applies, with stricter compliance on other documentation, per Sugar Order No. 04, March 2025.
MANILA, Philippines — The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has streamlined the process for importing sugar alternatives to address the red tape in sourcing this commodity.
One of the key points of the revised policy is that an application is considered approved if the SRA fails to act on it or inform the applicant of any discrepancies within five working days from submission.
Also, the applicant is no longer required to submit an interisland shipping permit, pay the associated fee, or provide a notarized declaration that indicates whether the sugar alternative is produced or derived from a genetically modified organism.
However, the applicant still has to pay a clearance fee of P3 per 50-kilogram bag (or P60 per metric ton) for other types of sugar, except for fructose which is set at P30 per 50-kg bag of raw sugar equivalent.
Also, the applicant has to submit other requirements, including a letter of application, bill of lading (or the contract between parties detailing the shipped items), commercial invoice, packaging list and certificates of origin and analysis.
“No applications for clearance of release shall be accepted for processing unless all the requirements are duly complied with,” according to Sugar Order No. 04 dated March 8, 2025, which amended the previous policy on certain sugar and sugar confectionery.
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Source : Inquirer Net
