PhilASIN urges certification for salt imports to prevent oversupply

The Philippine Association of Salt Industry Networks Inc. (PhilASIN) has called for a cap on salt importation to prevent oversupply and declining prices.

During a public consultation with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), PhilASIN suggested that salt imports should require a certification of necessity, similar to fish imports regulated by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

PhilASIN noted that local salt prices are extremely low, with a kilo fetching just P1.80 in Mindoro, and observed slow sales of locally produced salt.

The group argued that Section 61 of the Philippine Fisheries Code allows for importation certification when necessary, which could be applied to salt as well since it is classified under aquatic resources.

PhilASIN proposed that the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council can oversee the certification process for salt imports to ensure a balanced supply.