DA ISSUES GUIDELINES FOR 250,000 MT OF FISH, AQUATIC RESOURCES IMPORTATION

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued guidelines on the issuance of certificates of necessity to import (CNI) up to 250,000 metric tons (MT) of frozen fish and aquatic products.

- JED MACAPAGAL

The move was made in a Department Circular signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on March 6, but was only made publicly available this week.

The document mentioned that issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSICs) for this CNI will start on August 1, 2026.

Meanwhile, out of the 250,000 MT, the circular said that 10,000 MT will be allotted during the country’s off and closed fishing season, and for distribution through the government's Kadiwa rolling stores.