Sugar substitute importation rules coming soon
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is finalizing the rules for importing sugar alternatives after reaching an agreement with industry groups to streamline the sourcing process and ensure smooth trade flow.
According to an industry source, some of the points tackled during the meeting between the SRA and industry players include allowing advanced application and payment, and approving an import clearance within five working days of payment.
A sales invoice or delivery receipt from the supplier will be accepted to start the application process and payment, the source disclosed.
Although the fee for importing other types of sugar will be unchanged, the source said the SRA would require a soft copy of the bill of lading, or the contract between a carrier and a shipper detailing the shipped items, to issue the final import clearance.
An online portal or “green lane” will be established for importers to ease the application process, the source disclosed.
The SRA and concerned stakeholders also agreed to mandate spot inspections of goods while inter-island shipping permits would no longer be required.
Additionally, all imports will be classified as “B” or for the domestic market.
“We already had a dialogue last week and we are preparing the process and date of implementation,” SRA administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said.
This came after the SRA had deferred last month the implementation of Sugar Order No. 6, which outlined the permits and fees need to bring in sugar substitutes.
The SRA board arrived at this decision following calls from various industry groups to reconsider the implementation of this sugar order, citing potential trade disruptions and increased consumer prices.
The enforcement of SO No. 6 is postponed, pending further dialogues with industry representatives.
Concerns about processing delays and the associated costs of complying with the SRA order were the two key issues that emerged during the consultation, according to the SRA.
