Philippines Issues Guidelines for IMPORTing 25,000 MT of Frozen Fish for Wet Markets

The Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) has released guidelines for the importation of 25,000 metric tons (MT) of frozen small pelagic fish to supply wet markets from October to December 2024. The import allocation will be distributed with 80% (20,000 MT) going to commercial fishing companies and 20% (5,000 MT) to fisheries associations or cooperatives.

According to the memorandum, the DA will issue sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) from September 1 to November 30, 2024. The imported fish must arrive in the Philippines no later than January 15, 2025. Commercial fishing companies will initially receive 112 MT each, with the remaining volume to be distributed proportionately based on their fish landings over the past three years.

Fisheries associations and cooperatives will receive an initial allocation of 56 MT each. The remaining 20% quota will be allocated based on their previous import arrivals. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is tasked with reporting and consolidating all import arrivals.

Why this matters: This measure aims to ensure the availability of affordable fish in wet markets during the last quarter of 2024. The guidelines seek to balance the interests of commercial fishing operators and fisheries associations while meeting the demand for small pelagic fish in the Philippines.

The DA has instructed importers to source their fish from respectable sources and avoid competing with the domestic catch. "The BFAR shall report and consolidate all arrivals," the memorandum states. By allocating import quotas based on past performance and landings, the DA aims to support both the commercial fishing sector and fisheries associations in the country.

Key Takeaways

• Philippines to import 25,000 MT of frozen small pelagic fish from Oct-Dec 2024.
• 80% (20,000 MT) allocated to commercial fishing companies, 20% (5,000 MT) to associations.
• Imports must arrive by Jan 15, 2025; allocation based on past 3-year landings.
• Measure aims to ensure affordable fish supply in wet markets during Q4 2024.
• BFAR to report and consolidate all import arrivals to balance commercial and association interests.