The Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Manila intercepted a consignment of onions from China, valued at P2 million, due to the absence of necessary clearances. The 25,000-kilogram shipment was found to be lacking the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance from the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), prompting the BOC to issue a Warrant of Seizure and Detention.
According to the DA-BPI, all imported fresh vegetables and agricultural products are required to have sanitary and phytosanitary clearances to ensure they meet health standards and to prevent the introduction of diseases and pests. BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio emphasized the importance of strict compliance with import regulations, stating, "By rigorously enforcing import regulations, we not only shield our citizens from unsafe agricultural products but also enhance public trust and ensure the integrity of our nation's food supply."
Source: Inquirer.Net