Question & AnswerQ&A (DA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 39, S. 2000)
The Order aims to prevent entry of disease-carrying, contaminated, and/or adulterated meat and meat products that endanger public health and the livestock industry, by consolidating and strengthening rules governing meat importation.
'Meat' is defined as fresh, chilled or frozen edible parts of certain animals excluding marine and prohibited animals under CITES; 'Meat Products' refer to meat subjected to physical change or treatment such as cooking, drying, salting, brining or smoking.
A 'Qualified Importer' is a person, company or juridical entity accredited by the Department of Agriculture as a meat processor, manufacturer, re-packer, meat trader, or similar meat establishment.
They must secure a Veterinary Quarantine Clearance (VQC) or SPS Import Permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) prior to shipment from the country of origin.
Labels must be in English or Filipino with specific minimum font sizes, containing the trade name, exporter and importer business names and addresses, country of origin, lot identification, product description, net quantity, dates of manufacture and best before/expiration, handling and storage instructions.
Shipments must be accompanied by an International Veterinary Certificate (IVC) issued by the Veterinary Administration of the country of origin and the approved VQC/SPS Import Permit.
The products shall be confiscated as per Section VI (A) and are subject to Bureau of Customs rules and Department of Agriculture quarantine and inspection systems.
Violators are penalized under Article 19 (Penalty), Chapter I, Title II of Republic Act No. 7394, known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
The importer must notify the DA Veterinary Quarantine Office at least 3 days before arrival; present the VQC, Bill of Lading, and Packing List; goods undergo quarantine inspection; payment of fees; resealing of container; issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Inspection Certificate; and NMIC inspection with issuance of Imported Meat Inspection Clearance.
If sourced from banned countries, infected with diseases, contaminated with toxic substances, packed unsanitarily, unfit for consumption, or past expiration, among others specified under Section VI (D).
VQC validity depends on the geographic origin of the meat: 30-60 days for Asia, Australia, and New Zealand; 60-90 days for the Americas, Europe, and Africa; extensions are possible upon request.
BAI evaluates VQC applications, issues VQC, conducts quarantine inspection in coordination with the NMIC, and ensures compliance with SPS requirements.
The date of shipment must not be earlier than the date of issuance of the VQC.
It is issued pursuant to the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1999, Republic Act No. 7394 (Consumer Act), and the Administrative Code of 1987.