Question & AnswerQ&A (NFA LETTER CIRCULAR NO. AO-99-09-001)
For domestic rice or corn shipments, the minimum volume requiring an NFA Shipping Permit is 15 metric tons or 300 bags of 50 kg net each. For imported rice or corn, the threshold is 5 metric tons or 100 bags of 50 kg net each.
Water transport includes vessels, boats, barges, and other water crafts used for transporting rice and/or corn and their by-products.
The application must be accomplished in triplicate copies using the prescribed form and include quantity, commodity (rice/corn), value, names of shipper and consignee.
Both shipper and consignee must be duly licensed by the NFA as wholesalers or transporters. Importers and shippers of imported rice or corn must also have the necessary NFA Import Permit.
Consignees must present Sales Invoices and NFA licenses or equivalent permits. Lack or possession of falsified documents authorizes seizure, detention, and confiscation by NFA or other enforcement agencies.
Shippers must show samples of empty sacks made of polypropylene or polyethylene to ensure compliance with quality, packaging, and labeling standards as per NFA Letter Circular AO-97-08-001 (Philippine Grains Standards for Rice and Corn).
The NFA Shipping Permit is valid for fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of issue and is issued per shipment or transaction in four copies.
Violators can face imprisonment of not less than six months and not more than one year, or a fine ranging from One Thousand Pesos (P1,000) to Four Thousand Pesos (P4,000), or both, along with administrative penalties such as suspension or cancellation of NFA licenses.
Yes, penalties may be imposed on the responsible individuals in a corporation such as the President, Directors, Managers, or Managing Partners accountable for the violation.