BPI alerts BOC to detain misdeclared frozen mackerel shipments

The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has alerted the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to detain 19 container vans carrying misdeclared frozen mackerel at Manila's South Harbor.

During a spot inspection on January 21, it was discovered that the shipments were falsely declared as containing plant-based products like taro sticks and sweet potato balls instead of 550 metric tons of frozen mackerel.

The intercepted shipment consigned to Stradava Household Products Trading is now undergoing further inspections as per Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel's directive, with cooperation from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the BOC.

While the BPI does not oversee fishery products, their inspection flagged this discrepancy, highlighting potential smuggling activities.

The new law aims to protect consumers, support farmers, and prevent economic sabotage involving agricultural and fishery products.

Authorities are committed to enforcing this legislation to ensure compliance with import regulations and maintain market integrity.

Agriculture Secretary Laurel emphasized that deliberate misdeclaration is a serious offense under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which carries severe penalties including fines and imprisonment.