The Department of Agriculture (DA) has released guidelines for the importation of up to 250,000 metric tons of frozen fish and aquatic products to help ensure enough supply in the country.
The rules were issued through a circular signed on March 6 by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., but the document was only made public this week.
According to the circular, the issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPSICs) for the imports will begin on August 1, 2026.
Out of the total volume, 10,000 MT is reserved for distribution through government Kadiwa rolling stores during the country’s off and closed fishing seasons.
The remaining 240,000 MT will be allocated as follows:
192,000 MT (80%) for commercial importers
48,000 MT (20%) for associations and cooperatives
From the commercial sector allocation, 134,400 MT will be equally distributed among qualified importers, while 57,600 MT will be raffled off as a performance-based incentive.
For associations and cooperatives, 33,600 MT will be distributed among qualified importers and 14,400 MT will also be raffled off as a performance-based incentive.
The allowed imports include various seafood such as crabs, lobsters, shrimp, squid, tuna, salmon, cod, mackerel, sardines, and other fish species.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said the imports are meant to supply wet markets and restaurants, especially during the closed fishing season and in times of calamities.
BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera said the measure is a proactive step to prevent fish shortages. He added that once importers receive their clearances, they will have 45 days to ship out their orders, while the arrival of shipments will depend on processing and logistics.
