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On April 18, 2024, the President of the Philippines signed Administrative Order No. 20 regarding Further Streamlining Administrative Procedures and Policies, and Removing Non-Tariff Barriers on the Importation of Agricultural Products with immediate effect. Within 30 days, corresponding competent authorities shall formulate supporting guidelines necessary for the effective implementation of this Order. Key points revealed by the Order are as follows:
1. Further Streamlining Administrative Procedures and Removing Non-Tariff Barriers.
Under the Order, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is required to work with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Finance (DOF), to further streamline administrative procedures and policies on agricultural products importation, and remove non-tariff barriers. To achieve this purpose, possible directions include:
streamlining procedures of and requirements for the licensing of importers, minimizing the processing time of applications for importation, and exempting licensed traders from the submission of registration requirements;
facilitating the importation of certain agricultural products beyond the authorized Minimum Access Volume (MAV), and reducing or removing administrative fees relative thereto;
streamlining procedures of and requirements for the issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC); and
improving logistics, transport, distribution and storage of imported agricultural products.
2. Processing and Issuance of SPSIC for Agricultural Products
The DA and its agencies shall process and release SPSIC applications within the specified timeframe. If not acted upon within that time and all requirements are met, the applications will be deemed approved.
3. Guidelines for Importation of Sugar Products
Within 30 days, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) shall streamline the existing guidelines for sugar importation. The guidelines shall cover the classification of imported sugar and allow direct importation by SRA-registered industrial users.
4. Guidelines for Importation of Fishery Products
Within 30 days, the DA shall review and update regulations on the importation of frozen fish and fishery/aquatic products for wet markets. This includes revising impose quantitative restrictions, limiting competition, and restricting species allowed for importation.
5. Expediting the Unloading of Agricultural Imports
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) shall prioritize the unloading and release of imported agricultural products.
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