DESPITE an order from the Department of Agriculture to recall import permits on agricultural products, the Bureau of Customs said it will release imported meat products to meet the growing demand for meat products this holiday season.
BoC Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon assured meat importers that the bureau will continue to examine and release imported meat products even after the DA will recall import permits on agricultural products.
Faeldon made the announcement following reports that the bureau is holding several shipments of meat and agricultural products due to the DA’s order. Customs stakeholders have also raised concerns on having to pay undue demurrage and storage fees.
Faeldon said he has not yet received any official order or memorandum from the DA regarding the recall order.
However, Faeldon said the bureau will not hesitate to comply with the order, “and we’ll not contradict other regulatory agencies. But for this one, we have to clarify with them because no memo has reached my office yet. For now, we will continue with the status quo.”