DA and BPI blacklist three agricultural importers, set to revoke licenses of five more

DAVAO CITY — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has blacklisted three agricultural food importers and is preparing to revoke the import licenses of five additional companies due to illegal trade practices.

“We will not turn a blind eye to these importers’ illegal activities that undermine government revenues and jeopardize public health. Failing to act would mean neglecting our duty to protect our farmers and the Filipino consumers,” stated Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.

The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) blacklisted LVM Grains Enterprises on May 21 for importing milled rice, cashew nuts, and coffee without the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances. Kysse Lishh Consumer Goods Trading and Golden Rays Consumer Goods Trading were also blacklisted for importing onions and oranges without the required import licenses and permits.

Additionally, the import licenses of five other firms are under suspension for misdeclarations, illegal importation, and anti-competitive trade practices. The Philippine Competition Commission is prosecuting the three companies accused of engaging in anti-competitive activities.

“We are withholding the identities of these five importers because their cases are still pending. Until these cases are resolved, they are prohibited from transacting with the BPI,” said BPI Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban.

Last month, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed a law classifying smuggling, hoarding, and cartel operations involving agricultural products as economic sabotage. This law imposes stiffer penalties and longer jail terms for violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, particularly for cases where the value of goods exceeds ₱10 million.