Sugar regulator simplifies importation of other sweeteners
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has streamlined the process for importing sugar alternatives to address the red tape in sourcing this commodity.
One of the key points of the revised policy is that an application is considered approved if the SRA fails to act on it or inform the applicant of any discrepancies within five working days from submission.
Also, the applicant is no longer required to submit an interisland shipping permit, pay the associated fee, or provide a notarized declaration that indicates whether the sugar alternative is produced or derived from a genetically modified organism.
However, the applicant still has to pay a clearance fee of P3 per 50-kilogram bag (or P60 per metric ton) for other types of sugar, except for fructose which is set at P30 per 50-kg bag of raw sugar equivalent.
Also, the applicant has to submit other requirements, including a letter of application, bill of lading (or the contract between parties detailing the shipped items), commercial invoice, packaging list and certificates of origin and analysis.
“No applications for clearance of release shall be accepted for processing unless all the requirements are duly complied with,” according to Sugar Order No. 04 dated March 8, 2025, which amended the previous policy on certain sugar and sugar confectionery.
Additionally, sugar alternatives to be imported under the amended SO will be classified as “B” or for domestic use.
The SRA amended SO No. 06 dated Nov. 18, 2024, considering that feedback from local industry players “necessitates the amendment of certain provisions” of the earlier order.
Meanwhile, various groups had urged the SRA to reconsider the implementation of SO 6, citing concerns such as processing delays and incidental expenses for complying with the policy.
The latest directive includes all “sugars” under heading 17.01 of the Asean Harmonized Nomenclature—sucrose, specialty sugar and flavored syrups.
SO 4 also covers “other sugars” under heading 17.02 such as fructose, lactose, glucose, dextrose, maltose, maltodextrin, maple sugar and maple syrup, sugar syrup, palm sugar, coconut sap sugar, honey and caramel.
