PCCI hails hold-off of papers, fees for sugar stand-ins
The country’s largest business organization on Tuesday welcomed the deferment on the implementation of the Sugar Regulatory Administration’s (SRA) order which requires firms to secure clearances and pay fees for importing sugar alternatives.
“We are glad that the Sugar Regulatory Administration has listened to and considered valid the concerns of the sugar manufacturers, and acted upon immediately on the postponement of the order’s implementation,” Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president Enunina Mangio said in a statement.
Mangio said that while the intention of SRA’s Sugar Order No. 6—which outlines the guidelines on importing certain “sugars” and sugar confectionery—is valid, it should not be to the detriment of other quarters in the industry that are legitimately doing business.
The PCCI noted that food and beverage manufacturers, industry associations and chambers of commerce called on the SRA to conduct proper consultation with stakeholders and to conduct a regulatory impact assessment of the measure.
The business group added that new regulatory measures should also be aligned with the regulations of the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s Ease of Doing Business for “simplified, efficient and transparent governance.”
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona announced on Thursday last week the postponement of the measure’s implementation, responding to concerns raised by the industries that would be adversely affected.
According to the SRA, two key issues were identified during the consultation process—processing delays and the associated costs of complying with the order.
The SRA issued the order as a response to “grave concerns” raised by local sugar producers over the purported unregulated importation of certain sugars and sweeteners into the country.
