Import clearance fee on sugar alternatives to push through

The imposition of a clearance fee on imported alternative sugars will soon push through after the government resolved the concerns of industry stakeholders regarding the measure, particularly on possible red tape.

- JASPER EMMANUEL ARCALAS

Sources familiar with the matter told The STAR that the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) held multiple dialogues last week with various industry stakeholders, from candy makers to beverage manufacturers, about Sugar Order (SO) 6.

SRA administrator and CEO Pablo Luis Azcona met with the industry groups, which included the Federation of Philippine Industries as well as those involved in the confectionery and beverage sectors. The SRA leadership also met with Nestlé Philippines Inc., sources said.

The primary concern of the industry stakeholders was the additional red tape SO 6 would create, resulting in possible delays in the release of shipments that could affect manufacturing of candies, beverages and other products.

The industry stakeholders and the SRA agreed to resolve the former's concerns by implementing various measures that would prevent additional red tape to ensure that production of their goods would not be hampered.