The Export Development Council plans to improve the capability of exporters to overcome non-tariff measures, including those concerning sanitary and phytosanitary standards, fumigation testing and labeling requirements.
The EDC’s technical working group on non-tariff measures met recently to find ways to boost the export competitiveness of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises stymied by burdensome non-tariff measures.
MSMEs have pointed out the scarcity of fumigation companies in the Philippines.
They cited one region where a lone fumigation company serves the needs of the whole area and the lack of competition that allowed the firm to monopolize business and impose high prices.
The working agreed to make fumigation a more viable business in the country.
It also seeks to engage the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority to map all fumigation establishments to identify gaps and spread out their presence, especially in the countryside.
On labeling concerns, especially on the varied requirements over language, font size, and text location, the group committed to work in promoting greater access to information on market destinations, including tapping the services of commercial attaches.
Other recommendations include enhancing training and guidance programs for MSMEs on correct labeling, setting up an institution to help in compliance and improving exporters’ access to official and technical translations.