Phl to slap P60/MT fee on imported sugar alternatives

The government will slap a clearance fee of P60 per metric ton (MT) on imported sugar alternatives and other sugar-based products, including sucrose, flavored syrups and even white chocolates, as part of its efforts to monitor the entry of these imported commodities.

- By JASPER EMMANUEL ARCALAS

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) board approved and issued Sugar Order (SO) 6 that would slap a clearance fee on imported commodities under the tariff headings 1701, 1702 and 1704.

Commodities belonging to 1701 include sucrose, specialty sugar, flavored syrup while those under 1702 include so-called "other sugars" like lactose, glucose, maltose, maple syrup, honey and caramel.

Goods under unabated entry of these sugar alternatives that they claim displaces the use of locally-produced sugar thus contributing to the decline in farmgate prices.