Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh yam (Dioscorea spp.; commonly referred to locally as ubi/ube for purple yam) in the Philippines is primarily supplied by domestic production and consumed fresh and as an input for local food processors. Bohol is a key producing area for purple yam varieties such as Ubi Kinampay, and public R&D programs have targeted improved planting materials and more continuous production cycles. Importing fresh yams into the Philippines is regulated under the DA-BPI plant quarantine system (e.g., SPSIC/PQC plus a phytosanitary certificate from the origin, with inspection at entry), and missing/incorrect documentation can result in re-export or destruction of consignments. Export shipments likewise depend on meeting importing-country phytosanitary requirements and NPQSD certification. The Philippines’ high tropical-cyclone exposure creates periodic production and domestic logistics disruption risk for fresh root crops.
Market RoleDomestic consumption market with localized production; regulated imports; limited export niche dependent on phytosanitary compliance
Domestic RoleRoot crop for household use and as an input for dessert/food processing (e.g., ice cream and other processed products using ubi/purple yam).
SeasonalityProduction is often described as seasonal (commonly planted during summer in traditional practice), with public programs in Bohol explicitly targeting more continuous/year-round planting and improved planting material supply.
Specification
Primary VarietyPurple yam / ubi (Dioscorea alata) — including Ubi Kinampay in Bohol
Secondary Variety- Baligonhon
- Inoringnon
- Mindoro
- Sampero
Physical Attributes- Export/import quarantine clearance emphasizes phytosanitary status (freedom from regulated pests) and documentation alignment with permit conditions; consignments are subject to inspection at the port of entry.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Farm production (often smallholder) → local traders/consolidators → wet market/retail distribution and/or delivery to food processors
- For imports: importer permit/clearance application → shipment with phytosanitary certificate → port-of-entry inspection by plant quarantine officers → customs release/disposition
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFresh yams are regulated plant products for Philippine import: DA-BPI NPQSD procedures require prior import clearance (e.g., SPSIC/PQC) and an international phytosanitary certificate from the origin, with port-of-entry inspection. NPQSD guidance indicates that missing documentation can result in the consignment being held; if both clearance and phytosanitary certificate are absent, it may be returned/re-exported or destroyed.Before shipping, confirm importability for the specific origin and commodity, secure SPSIC/PQC in advance, and align phytosanitary certificate additional declarations with the SPSIC conditions; run a pre-shipment document and phytosanitary checklist with the Philippine importer/broker.
Climate MediumThe Philippines faces frequent tropical cyclones (average ~20 entering PAR annually, with ~8–9 crossing the country; peak July–October), which can disrupt production, domestic transport, and port operations affecting fresh root-crop availability and movement.Build buffer lead times during peak cyclone months, diversify sourcing locations within the Philippines where feasible, and plan contingency domestic transport/port options.
Logistics MediumInspection holds and clearance delays at entry can increase cost and quality-loss risk for fresh yams (a bulky fresh commodity), especially if documents are incomplete or consignments require additional checks/treatments.Use experienced customs/plant-quarantine brokers, submit inspection applications within required lead times, and ensure compliant packaging/handling that facilitates inspection and reduces damage.
Sustainability- High tropical-cyclone exposure creates recurring production and logistics disruption risk for field crops (including root crops) in the Philippines; peak season is reported as July–October.
- Seasonal production cycles and planting-material constraints are cited as factors slowing down ubi/purple yam production in Bohol, with programs targeting more continuous production.
FAQ
What documents are typically required to import fresh yam into the Philippines?For regulated plant products such as fresh vegetables, DA-BPI NPQSD describes the need to secure an import clearance (e.g., SPSIC for commercial imports or PQC for personal purposes) prior to importation, and to present an international phytosanitary certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of origin. NPQSD import guidance also lists transport and customs documents (e.g., bill of lading/airway bill and customs entry declaration) for inspection at the port of entry.
What is the biggest deal-breaker risk for shipping fresh yams into the Philippines?Documentation and phytosanitary non-compliance: NPQSD import guidance states that consignments lacking required clearances and/or the phytosanitary certificate may be held, and that if both the import clearance (PQC/SPSIC) and the phytosanitary certificate are absent, the consignment may be returned/re-exported or destroyed.
Which Philippine area is strongly associated with Ubi Kinampay (purple yam) production?Bohol is highlighted in DOST-PCAARRD communications as a key producing area for Ubi Kinampay and other purple yam varieties, with PCAARRD noting Bohol’s significant share of national supply and describing programs to expand production and planting-material availability in the province.