Philippines cancels import permit for ₱700 million Vietnamese rice cargo
The importer requested cancellation after being told the cargo differed from its application and that the delivery contract had expired.
The Philippines revoked clearance for a rice cargo valued at ₱700 million from Vietnam before the ship entered Philippine waters, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said. The shipment aboard MV Tay Son 2 comprised 12,480 metric tons.
Tiu Laurel said his office instructed the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) to withdraw the sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance while the ship was en route. Planters Product Inc. (PPI), the applicant, had requested the cancellation.
PPI had sought permission for 25 per cent broken rice but was subsequently told the cargo was five per cent broken rice. It also informed the Department of Agriculture that the contract had expired. Delivery had been scheduled for July, when supplies were tighter, ahead of the peak wet harvest season.
The ship reached Davao port on September 14, but its captain declined to allow a BPI inspection. It departed on September 17 while the Bureau of Customs (BOC) was considering how to deal with the cargo. Agriculture officials then ordered the shipment held and warned customs authorities about possible unloading at other Philippine locations.
The Philippine Navy intercepted the ship off Sarangani and took it to General Santos City port. The captain again resisted inspection, and the vessel was later instructed to return to Davao.
According to Tiu Laurel, the BPI recommended sending the rice back to Vietnam. The BOC could also confiscate the cargo and levy penalties, depending on its findings.
