BAHA Refutes Claims of Illicit Sugar Exports; Affirms Export Compliance

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) has rejected the rumor that an export license was issued for sugar that was purportedly found being shipped out of the country at a border location in northern Belize.  BAHA, via a press release, indicated that they do provide support for the exportation of agricultural commodities, including raw sugar, through an inspection and certification process.  It noted that the raw sugar is exported to several destinations, including the Caribbean and Europe. To date, there are only two companies provided with inspection and certification services for sugar exportation, namely, BSI/ASR and Santander Sugar.  BAHA notes that the raw sugar is inspected by officers, and after ensuring compliance, the companies are issued with a phytosanitary certificate attesting to the inspection and certification process and compliance. When it comes to the actual exportation, the only authorized points of exit are the Port of Belize Limited and the Port of Big Creek where BAHA personnel would ensure that only certified consignments are shipped out.  BAHA categorically refutes accusations of illicit involvement in the irregular exports of sugar to Mexico or to any other country. There is no such document as an export license issued by BAHA given that that is not a function of the Authority.