Manila: The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has given importers of sugar alternatives until November 30 to register as international sugar traders or risk having their shipments held at port starting December 1, reports The Philippine Star.
In Memorandum Circular No. 6, the SRA laid out the guidelines for enforcing provisions of its updated rules on imported sugar substitutes. Under these guidelines, importers of alternative sugars categorized under Chapter 17 of the 2022 ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature must register with the SRA. This registration is required for them to secure clearance for the release of their shipments.
According to the SRA, the registration process began on February 3. Importers who fail to register by the deadline will not be granted release clearance for their goods, effectively blocking their entry into the market.
The agency also reminded importers of Sugar Order No. 6, issued earlier this year, which introduced an import clearance fee of ₱60 per metric ton for sugar alternatives and sugar-based items. The rule applies to products under tariff headings 1701, 1702, and 1704. These include traditional sugars like sucrose and specialty sugar, sweeteners such as glucose, lactose, and maple syrup, and confectionery items like chewing gum and white chocolate that does not contain cocoa.
The policy was introduced in response to concerns from local producers, who argued that unchecked imports of sugar alternatives were reducing demand for locally produced sugar. By regulating these imports more strictly, the SRA aims to protect the local industry and ensure fair competition.
The agency assured that once an importer has paid the official fees, the clearance process will not take more than three days. It also announced that it will conduct random checks and physical inspections of imported shipments to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
