SRA regulates entry of high fructose corn

ORMOC CITY – The Sugar Regulatory Administration ( SRA) has issued an order regulating the entry of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) into the country.

SRA administrator Anna Rosario Paner first disclosed this new development to a group of sugar farmers gathered in a forum. Also present were SRA board members Hermenigildo Serafica from Ormoc, representing the sugar planters, and Roland Beltran, representing the millers.

During their board meeting which followed the forum, the SRA issued an order on the issuance of clearance for the release of imported HFCS and chemically pure fructose in whatever intensity or form, Paner said in a statement.

The SRA said an importer or consignee of imported HFCS must be an international trader duly registered with them at the time of the application for clearance for release.

“Applicants for the release of imported HFCS and chemically pure fructose must also submit to the Regulation Department of SRA in Quezon City various requirements, which must all be complied with, before the application can be accepted for processing,” the SRA said.

According to the SRA, the clearance for the release shall indicate the classification of the fructose as either “B” for domestic market, “C” for reserved, and “D” for world market.

“Non- compliance with the provisions shall subject the importer or consignee to the penalties provided under Sugar Order No. 10, series of 2009-2010 without prejudice to any other administrative and/or legal action that the SRA may pursue.”