The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines has suspended the issuance of import permits for mackerel to curb the misdeclaration and diversion of shipments to wet markets. This decision follows reports of importers mislabeling shipments. Under the new directive, the DA will only grant sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) for mackerel intended for canning, with strict labeling requirements stating that the fish is 'Imported for canning purposes only and not for distribution to wet markets.' Violations of this directive will incur legal penalties. The initial allowable import volume for each licensed importer will depend on verified production volumes, with subsequent volumes based on VATable sales of canned products made from imported mackerel, plus an additional 10% buffer. Importers are required to submit annual VATable sales records to determine future import allocations. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is tasked with issuing licenses to importers before they can proceed with imports.