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(NAR) VOL. 15 NOS. 1-2 / JANUARY - MARCH 2004

[ NFA LETTER CIRCULAR NO. AO 2K3-09-001, August 29, 2003 ]

REGULATIONS GOVERNING RECORDS KEEPING OF GRAINS TRANSACTIONS AND INSPECTION THEREOF

<DIV ALIGN=JUSTIFY>Pursuant to the powers granted to the National Food Authority under Presidential Decree No. 4, as amended, and its implementing rules and regulations on grains business, all licensed grains businessmen are reminded of their duties and responsibilities with respect to the records of their grains business transactions.

In order to curb any attempt to smuggle rice into the country and to ensure smooth flow of rice within the archipelago, every licensed grains businessman is hereby directed to maintain and keep all records of purchase of rice from and sale to private persons/entities or government agencies.  Said records shall at all times be made available for inspection by the NFA or other government agencies.

They shall permit the NFA or other government agencies to enter and inspect or examine, at any time with or without prior notice, his/her grains establishments, the complete books of accounts and records relating thereto and the contents thereof.

Records shall include among others, invoices, bills of lading, letters of credit, shipping clearance, official receipts and all other documents pertaining to purchase and sale of grains from private entities/person or government agencies.  These records shall be kept in the establishment/warehouse/premises where the stocks are stored.

Said licensed grains businessmen shall extend to such agencies the necessary assistance or help to enable them to perform such inspection or examination in an expeditious way.

Failure to present records upon demand is prima facie evidence that the commodity is illegally acquired hence, shall be proceeded against in accordance with applicable laws.

Adopted: 29 Aug. 2003


<CENTER>(SGD.) ATTY. ARTHUR C. YAP
<I>Administrator</I></CENTER></DIV>