The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has expressed its support for the Sugar Regulatory Administration's (SRA) suspension of its new policy imposing fees and permits for importing sugar alternatives.

“We are glad that the SRA has listened to and considered valid the concerns of the sugar manufacturers, and acted upon immediately on the postponement of the order’s implementation,” PCCI President Eunina Mangio said in a statement on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Under Sugar Order (SO) No. 6, the SRA is requiring manufacturers to secure an import clearance and pay additional fees to bring sugar alternatives into the country.

This covers the importation of all sugar alternatives and sugar-based items, which include sucrose, specialty sugar, maple syrup, honey, caramel, and sugar confectionery items, among others.

The additional fees and documents are in addition to the requirements already mandated by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Several industry groups described this policy as another form of red tape, pointing out its potential harm to several industries beyond sugar.

The SRA suspended the implementation of the order last week, noting the need for further consultations with stakeholders.

Aside from these consultations, the PCCI urges the government agency to first conduct a regulatory impact assessment (RIA) as to identify the appropriate regulatory measure.

PCCI, the country’s leading business organization, stressed that the SRA’s regulations should align with the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) Ease of Doing Business for “simplified, efficient, and transparent governance”.

Mangio noted that while the intention of SO No. 6 appears valid, such a measure should not have consequences to other quarters in the industry that are legitimately doing business.

As such, he is pushing for a stronger collaboration between the government and private sector “for the benefit of both the local farmers and consumers”.

“There will always have good results in open dialogues and proper consultations,” he added.