On October 30, 2024, Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, alongside Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., inspected 21 forty-foot containers of frozen mackerel from China at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), which were confiscated for lack of the necessary import clearance.

The subject shipments, estimated to be worth PhP178.5 million, were intercepted during a successful operation conducted by the BOC’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and the MICP in cooperation with the DA’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). The operation was prompted by a tip-off received on October 16, 2024, indicating that the containers were not covered by the required Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) from BFAR.

To verify this information, the CIIS-MICP Field Station reached out to BFAR to confirm the current import requirements for frozen mackerel, specifically inquiring whether the consignee had secured the required SPSIC for the subject 21 containers.

BFAR’s Fisheries Certification Section confirmed no records of an application for mackerel from the consignee covering the period August 30 and September 16, 2024. Furthermore, any such applications would have been rejected pursuant to DA Memorandum Order No. 14, series of 2024, which suspends the issuance of SPSIC for the importation of round scad, mackerel, and bonito.

“The absence of the necessary SPSIC poses a serious risk to our local agriculture and fisheries, as well as the health and safety of consumers,” emphasized Commissioner Rubio. “It is imperative that all imported agricultural products adhere to established safety and quality standards.”

Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy added, “This interception serves as a clear reminder that the BOC remains vigilant in enforcing import regulations. We are dedicated in safeguarding our local industries and ensuring that only safe and compliant products enter the market.”

The MICP, headed by District Collector Rizalino Jose C. Torralba, will issue Warrants of Seizure and Detention against the subject shipments for violations of Sections 117 and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) in relation to DA Memorandum Order No. 14.

Commissioner Rubio commended IG Deputy Commissioner Uy and MICP District Collector Torralba for their leadership and dedication in safeguarding agricultural resources and ensuring the safety of products entering the market.

Moreover, the Customs Commissioner expressed gratitude to DA Secretary Laurel for his proactive collaboration with the BOC to ensure compliance with import regulations. “This successful operation underscores the critical importance of inter-agency cooperation in our efforts against smuggling and illegal importation. It highlights our shared commitment to protecting food security and supporting our local farmers and fishers,” he stated.

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