PCC flags lapses in meat import rules

The antitrust watchdog Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) said the government should address institutional lapses in implementing policies considered non-tariff measures (NTMs) in the livestock and poultry sectors to avert their potential impact on prices.

- DEXTER BARRO II

In a market study, the PCC found that implementation challenges in enforcing NTMs restrict the market, which may lead to higher costs for importers that could be passed on to consumers.

“NTMs, while designed to achieve legitimate policy objectives, can impede growth and entry of imports if implemented with excessive compliance requirements or discriminatory intent,” the study said.

Since the Philippines is one of the largest meat consumers in the world, the government imposes regulations to ensure that such products are safe and of the best quality.