Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 2380)
In Act No. 2380, 'fiber' refers to the raw material only, used with reference to its common and commercial significance, not its scientific meaning, and excludes fibers that are partially or entirely manufactured.
Abaca is from Musa textilis, known commercially as manila hemp; maguey (cantala) is from Agave cantala Roxb., also known as manila maguey; and sisal is from Agave sisalana Per., sometimes called maguey de Hawaii.
The Director of Agriculture is responsible for establishing, defining, and designating the official standards of commercial grades for abaca, maguey, and sisal fibers.
They must obtain a grading permit signed by the Director of Agriculture.
They are classified into six classes based on the quantity of loose fiber graded and baled per annum, ranging from first-class establishments handling 5,000 metric tons and above to sixth-class establishments handling less than 500 metric tons.
Bales should be approximately 1 meter long, 50 centimeters wide, 55 centimeters high, and weigh about 125 kilos net, with variations allowed based on fiber quality.
Violators may be fined not more than two hundred and fifty pesos and may have their grading permits withdrawn and canceled by the Director of Agriculture.
Fiber inspectors supervise grading and baling, inspect graded fibers, collect inspection fees, issue certificates of inspection, ensure compliance with standards, and educate fiber producers on preparation and grading.
Grading permit fees range from twenty-five pesos to one thousand pesos annually depending on class; inspection fees are ten centavos per bale inspected.
The certificate of inspection must accompany the lot, with transfer of ownership noted by the fiber inspector; if a new certificate is requested, a secondary certificate of inspection may be issued.