Frozen fish import quota set at 250,000 MT

THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) said it capped frozen fish imports at 250,000 metric tons (MT) this year, citing the role of imports in stabilizing market prices.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. signed Department Circular No. 12, which sets the guidelines for issuing certificates of necessity to import (CNI) fish and fishery products for 2026.

The CNI allows the entry of more than 60 fishery commodities of various species, following a recommendation by the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (NFARMC).

The DA said the NFARMC reviewed the 2026 supply and demand outlook for fish and fishery products and endorsed the cap of 250,000 MT.

Only accredited importers may bring in fish. These include institutional buyers, licensed importers during off and closed fishing seasons, and importers participating in the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program.

Importers must secure a sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) before shipment. The DA will begin issuing SPSICs on Aug. 1, with approved permits validity for 60 days from the date of issuance.

“In no case shall the date of loading at the port of embarkation in the country of origin, as reflected in the bill of lading, be earlier than the date of issuance of the SPSIC,” according to the circular.

The DA said 10,000 MT from the allocated volume for the off-season and closed fishing season is reserved for Kadiwa distribution.

The distribution ratio for the remaining allocations is 80% for commercial importers and 20% for associations or cooperatives.

The DA added that imported fishery products must be stored only in cold facilities licensed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel