Philippines temporarily suspends rice imports: What should businesses pay attention to?

The Philippines’ 60-day rice import suspension policy from September 1 will have a strong impact on the rice market. Businesses need to understand the new regulations and guidelines to ensure effective export activities.

The Philippine Department of Agriculture has announced guidelines for implementing the 60-day rice import suspension order starting September 1. Vietnamese rice exporting enterprises need to take note of many things - Photo: CHI QUOC

Recently, the Philippine Department of Agriculture announced guidelines for implementing the country's President's order to temporarily suspend rice imports for 60 days starting September 1.

Accordingly, rice shipments imported into the Philippines are subject to specific time regulations, as well as hygiene and phytosanitary certificates. Vietnamese rice exporting enterprises need to pay attention and take note.

Rice must arrive in the Philippines by September 15.

According to a document published by the rice market website SS Rice News, all imported milled rice shipments with a valid Sanitary and Phytosanitary Certificate (SPSIC) transported by cargo vessels must be shipped out of the country of origin by August 30, 2025 and arrive at the port by the deadline of September 15, 2025.

Shipments must have a valid SPSIC Certificate.

In addition, a valid bill of lading must be obtained on or before August 25 and must arrive in the Philippines no later than September 15. Except in the event of a delay due to force majeure or natural disaster.

All incoming container shipments will only be allowed to enter through the ports of Manila, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Cebu for close monitoring.

Shipments arriving after this specified time will be returned to the place of origin, at the importer's expense.

Stop issuing Phytosanitary and Quarantine Certificates from September 1

The Philippine Department of Agriculture has detailed guidelines for implementing the 60-day rice import ban, however, according to the document, glutinous rice, basmati rice, and other rice varieties are exempted from this guideline.

In addition, businesses should also note that the issuance of SPSIC Certificates will be suspended from September 1 and all applications will be rejected until further notice.

Previously, on August 6, the Philippine Government officially announced a 60-day suspension of rice imports starting September 1. This was very surprising news for the world rice market as the largest importer's purchasing power was suspended.

For the Vietnamese rice market, rice exporting enterprises consider this a "shock" because the Philippines is a "regular customer" of Vietnamese rice.

Immediately afterwards, on August 7, the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) sent a petition to the Ministry of Industry and Trade regarding the above issue.

The document stated that the ban would cause many difficulties for Vietnamese businesses and rice export activities. At the same time, it recommended that the Ministry of Industry and Trade consult with the Philippine Department of Agriculture on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on rice trade cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has reported to the Government.

At the conference on Promoting Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Exports in 2025 organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in Ho Chi Minh City on August 12, Mr. Nguyen Anh Son, Director of the Import-Export Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade, said that when there was information that the Philippines would stop importing rice for 60 days.

"The Ministry of Industry and Trade has reported to the Government, requesting ministries and branches to use diplomatic channels to untie this knot," Mr. Son informed.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/philippines-tam-ngung-nhap-khau-gao-doanh-nghiep-can-luu-y-gi-20250816135041768.htm