The Department of Agriculture (DA) established a technical working group (TWG) to streamline administrative procedures and regulations for agricultural imports.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the initiative aims to reduce non-tariff barriers and make it easier for importers to bring in imports.
The TWG will explore ways to simplify or exempt licensed importers from submitting registration requirements when obtaining import licenses.
The TWG, in collaboration with the National Economic and Development Authority, will explore options to allow importation of certain agricultural products exceeding the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) quotas.
The group will work towards reducing or eliminating administrative fees associated with such imports, streamline the process and requirements for obtaining sanitary and phytosanitary permits, and explore ways to enhance logistics, transportation, distribution and storage systems for imported agricultural products.
Special Order No. 768 mandates DA agencies to publish the streamlined procedures, requirements, and policies in the Official Gazette or a national newspaper to ensure transparency.
The DA aims to create a more efficient and less restrictive environment for agricultural imports, benefiting both importers and consumers.
