Sugar stakeholders back SRA’s implementation of SO 6

Stakeholders backed the Sugar Regulatory Administration’s (SRA) Sugar Order (SO) No. 6 which sets the guidelines on the importation of certain sugar and sugar confectionery.

The SRA previously deferred the implementation of SO 6 following concerns raised by the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), particularly on the possible import processing delays, costs of compliance, and the possible increase of prices of beverages and confectionery products, among others.

In a statement Friday, Philippine Sugar Millers’ Association, Inc. (PSMA) president Terence Uygongco explained that SO 6 intends to monitor the entry of alternative sweeteners and sweetened products, as well as its effects on the market.

“Sugar Order No. 6 serves as a crucial tool for the Sugar Regulatory Administration to accurately assess the supply and demand for sugar in the country. With this order, the SRA aims to establish a clearer picture of our domestic sugar market,” he said, citing a weakening demand despite the growing population and economy.

“As a regulatory agency, SRA must have accurate figures on all factors affecting the sugar market. It cannot solely rely on external sources, such as the Bureau of Customs, to determine sugar and sweetener demand.”

Philippine Association of Sugar Refineries, Inc. (PASRI) president Renato Cabati said the fees and requisitions under SO 6 are considered standard procedures, which intend to set uniform policies for sugar and other sugars.

“Reading through the order, it is clear that it does not impose restrictions on the importation of alternative sweeteners. It only requires an SRA clearance for release, which is not the same as an import permit,” he said.

Both PSMA and PASRI said the fees are minimal and should not affect consumers.

On Thursday, SRA Administrator Luis Pablo Azcona allayed concerns of the FPI, stressing that it only takes three working days for the issuance of import clearances.

Efforts are also underway to put up an online portal to even lessen the said time frame, he added.

In terms of fees, the set fee is only 0.08 percent of the cost, equivalent to 0.06 centavos per kilo, PHP3 per bag or PHP60 per ton.* (Stephanie Sevillano/PNA)