SRA considering import clearance fee hike for alternative sweeteners

THE SUGAR Regulatory Administration (SRA) said that it is studying an increase in import clearance fees for alternative sweeteners.

“Our (intent) is to gather accurate data on how much are entering and then what is entering. The charges for import clearances are very minimal,” SRA Administrator Pablo Luis S. Azcona told reporters.

He said the planned fee hike for high fructose corn syrup is P30 per equivalent bag of sugar and P10 per equivalent bag for all other sweeteners.

Tariff Code  17.02 of the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature sets tariffs only for high fructose corn syrup.

Mr. Azcona added that a Sugar Order (SO) has been drafted and is up for review by the SRA board.

Mr. Azcona said the SRA is looking to approve the SO by next month with a potential effectivity date of January.

He added that industrial users of alternate sweeteners have also been consulted on the increase in import clearance fees.

“We explained to them that we are first data gathering, and then in the future we will (discuss other policies),” he said.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. has ordered an investigation into the entry of other sweeteners after meeting with the sugar industry. Producers have said such imports compete with cane sugar.

The regulator was tasked to look into the actual volumes of other sweeteners and, if warranted, require them to acquire clearances as well.

Additionally, Mr. Azcona said that the SRA is also seeking to address imports of artificial sweeteners.

“We would want to also monitor the volumes coming in. Based on our information it is quite large, between 200,000 to 300,000 tons,” he added.

He said that the regulator will also study the health issues related to artificial sweeteners in potential collabortion with the Department of Health. — Adrian H. Halili