DA temporarily halts importation of mackerel, scad
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has temporarily suspended the importation of certain fish products amid allegations that these were being diverted to wet markets, a move that may disrupt the local industry.
In Memorandum Order No. 38, the DA said that it is suspending, effective immediately, the issuance of import clearances for horse mackerel, including Atlantic horse mackerel and Japanese jack mackerel, Indian mackerel and torpedo scad or hardtail scad.
The move was taken following allegations that some importers were misdeclaring or diverting shipments of fishery products, which was disrupting legitimate trade channels and also undermining the DA’s objectives of stabilizing supply and keeping fish prices affordable.
The DA said a thorough review and investigation of the matter was ongoing, as Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. also issued a statement on Tuesday in which he stressed that the temporary measure would ensure the full compliance of concerned industry players with the rules for importing these agricultural commodities.
“It also aims to insulate domestic producers from disruptive activities that distort market dynamics,” he said.
Known locally as alumahan and galunggong, mackerel and round scad are household staples because of their affordability and versatility in local cuisine, according to the DA.
Deadline extended
The DA earlier authorized the importation of 25,000 metric tons (MT) of fish for wet markets to avert any possible price surges and stabilize supply. The fish imports were supposed to arrive in the country by May, but so far, only a quarter of the 25,000 MT has been imported.
This prompted the DA to repeatedly move the deadline for the issuance of import clearances until the end of the month.
“The time frames we set were too short, and many of the approved products were out of season in their countries of origin. It was also challenging for some importers to meet requirements tied to larger volume allocations,” Tiu Laurel explained last month.
