Question & AnswerQ&A (BAI MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 16)
The order concerns the importation of fully tanned leather from all countries into the Philippines.
The Philippines has a ban on the importation of animals, animal products, and by-products (including tanned leather for industrial purposes) from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) susceptible animals originating from FMD-infected countries.
Importers source tanned leather from countries like China and India due to the lower cost and consistency of supply of tanned leather.
Processed leather can potentially transmit diseases such as anthrax among others.
No, the Philippines imports shoes, bags, and other leather products, which have the same stage of processing as fully tanned leather, from all countries regardless of their disease status.
The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code allows Veterinary Administration to authorize importation of hides and skins from FMD-infected countries without restriction, provided they have undergone the usual chemical and mechanical tanning processes.
The conditions are: 1) Importation must be covered by a Veterinary Quarantine Clearance (VQC). 2) The products must be processed to destroy disease-causing organisms. 3) Precautions must be taken after processing to prevent contact with infectious agents. 4) Importation without a necessary VQC is subject to seizure, confiscation, or re-exportation.
A Veterinary Quarantine Clearance (VQC) to import must be secured before importing tanned leather.
Such imports shall be subject to seizure and confiscation or re-exportation.
The order took effect immediately upon its issuance on August 15, 2005.