The Department of Agriculture on Monday revoked the import license of Manila-based LVM Grains Enterprises for unauthorized importation of agricultural products from Vietnam.
The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the enforcement arm of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., said all the importer’s sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances have been cancelled.
Gerald Glenn Panganiban, BPI director, said LVM Grains had been asked to explain a shipment of milled rice, coffee and cashew nuts from Vietnam on board MV Royal 89 consigned to the importer but without an import clearance.
“Further, our records also show that your company has previously committed multiple non-compliance,” Panganiban said.
He emphasized the importation of plants, planting materials and plant products require an import clearance as well as a phytosanitary certificate issued by the country of origin.
“This is to ensure the shipment complies with the phytosanitary requirements set by our office and ensure freedom of the commodities from quarantine or exotic plant pests,” Panganiban said.
The BPI said the Philippines has purchased 2.72 million metric tons of rice from overseas markets as of 22 August this year.
The bulk or 77 percent of the imports consisted of 2.09 million MT of rice from Vietnam.
