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The Bureau of Customs intercepted 21 containers of frozen mackerel at the Manila International Container Port on October 30
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The shipments from China were valued at P178.5 million and lacked Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
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Warrants of seizure and detention are to be issued against the shipments
The Bureau of Customs on October 30 intercepted 21 containers of frozen mackerel at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
The shipment from China was valued at P178.5 million and lacked the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) from the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), BOC said in a statement.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. inspected the shipment at the MICP.
Acting on an October 16 tip, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, with the MICP team and BFAR officials, investigated the shipment for compliance with SPSIC regulations.
A check with BFAR revealed no clearance application for the mackerel shipment, a requirement under DA Memorandum Order No. 14, which suspends SPSIC for imports of certain fish species, including mackerel, round scad, and bonito.
MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba confirmed that warrants of Seizure and Detention would be issued for the confiscated containers under Sections 117 and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, relating to the DA’s recent import memorandum.
“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,” Rubio said in a statement. “It is imperative that all imported agricultural products adhere to established safety and quality standards.”
“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,” Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy said.
