BOC bans shipments containing phosphogypsum

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced on Wednesday the ban on shipments containing neutralized phosphogypsum chemical.

Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero noted that the said chemical poses a hazardous threat to humans and the environment.

“Guerrero immediately ordered that all shipments containing neutralized phosphogypsum shall not be allowed entry and must be shipped back to the port of origin by the importer or shipper,” the BOC said in a statement.

The ban on phosphogypsum stemmed after a letter was sent to the BOC by Director Metodio Turbella of the Environmental Management Bureau.

In his letter, Turbella said that neutralized phosphogypsum is radioactive due to the presence of naturally occurring radioactive elements.

The environmental department recently issued Administrative Order which states that the importation of recyclable materials (scrap metals) should not contain radioactive materials.

The order also said that phosphogypsum is a waste per se without any recycling to be done; therefore, its entry into the country is prohibited. /ee