The Department of Agriculture has suspended the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for certain mackerel and torpedo scad species, following reports of permit misuse that could destabilize the local fish market.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel signed Memorandum Order (MO) No. 38 on July 8, which the DA made public on Tuesday, July 15.
The DA said it took action after receiving reports that some importers misdeclared or diverted shipments of fishery products. If left unchecked, the smuggling would undermine the DA’s objectives of stabilizing supply and keeping fish prices affordable, while disrupting legitimate trade channels, the DA said in a statement on Tuesday.
Tiu Laurel said the importation of these essential commodities must be transparent and fair, to safeguard consumer access and protect the livelihoods of local fishers and traders.
He said DA MO No. 38 immediately halted the issuance of SPSICs for imports of horse mackerel, including the Atlantic and Japanese jack mackerel, Indian mackerel, wahoo, and the torpedo or hardtail scad.
The DA is keen on keeping the supplies of mackerel (alumahan) and scad (galunggong) stable, as both are considered household staples due to their affordability and versatility in local cuisine, the agency said.
The DA MO No. 38 will uphold food safety, market fairness and sustainable livelihoods in the fishery and aquaculture sectors, and insulate domestic producers from disruptive activities that distort market dynamics, the DA said.
Tiu Laurel has clarified that DA MO No. 38 is not an import ban but only a temporary measure to ensure full compliance with government regulations.
