Deputy Administrator Luis Marajas of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) appealed to processors of sugar-based products to monitor their balance in sugar allocation and promptly apply for Certificate for Sugar Requirement of Processors/Manufacturers of Sugar-based Products for Export.
Mr. Marajas cited that some exporters apply for their sugar allocation only when their balance allocation is depleting. This, according to him would affect the exporters’ production schedule considering that importing sugar usually takes at least one (1) month.This advice was discussed in a meeting called by the Export Development Council (EDC), Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PhilExport) when exporters of sugar-based products complained on the delay in the issuance of the said certificate.
The SRA official noted that one reason for the delay in the approval is when there is suspicion of diversion in the utilization of the imported sugar which is intended for export products. SRA has to verify the exporters’ documents and coordinate with the Bureau of Customs and shipping lines for records of actual shipment of finished products.
He advised their clients to regularly communicate with SRA to be informed on the schedule of the monthly SRA Board meeting. The Board decides on the approval or disapproval of the applications. It was also recommended in the meeting to review the process of approving application focusing on streamlining steps, signatories, cost and requirements.- Asnia R. Bayabao