Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 5474)
It governs the importation of live cattle from Brazil and meat and meat products into the Philippines, establishing rules, conditions, and procedures to ensure animal and public health safety.
Compliance with the OIE requirements especially related to List A and B diseases, importation only from FMD-free areas of Brazil, allowing imported cattle only to FMD endemic areas in the Philippines where vaccination is practiced, pre-shipment quarantine supervised by a Philippine veterinary quarantine officer for at least 30 days, and separating protocols for feeder and breeder cattle.
It covers importations into the Philippines destined for unloading into customs territories for direct consumption, repacking, relabeling/rebranding, processing, marketing, distribution, and/or re-export but excludes transshipped meat and/or meat products.
They must secure a valid Veterinary Quarantine Clearance (VQC)/SPS Clearance from the Bureau of Animal Industry.
Only the president, CEO, general manager, or their authorized representative of the importing firm.
A VQC is valid for 60 days without extension from the date of issuance. Shipment beyond this period is illegal, subject to confiscation and disposal.
No, such importations are not allowed unless covered by a valid VQC and Import Veterinary Certificate (IVC).
Only Food Meat Establishments (FMEs) recognized by the National Veterinary Administration of the exporting country may export, and only accredited importers can apply for VQC. Importers must ensure exporters have the approved VQC before shipment, maintain container seals, and comply with shipment dates aligned with VQC issuance.
The DA can impose temporary import bans, suspend VQC issuance, cancel VQCs, suspend and confiscate shipments in case of disease outbreaks, contamination, or public health threats.
Packing materials must be food grade; wood packaging must comply with ISPM No. 15; food additives must be declared; labeling must include exporter’s trade name, business address, country of origin, lot identification, product description, net content in metric units, manufacture and expiration dates, and handling instructions in English or Filipino with specific font sizes.
Documentary verification and evaluation of VQC, IVC, and shipment documents; veterinary quarantine inspection; resealing containers; issuance of Veterinary Quarantine and Meat Inspection and Laboratory Certificate (VQMILC); payment of inspection fees; and transfer to NMIS for further inspection and analysis.
Violators are penalized under Article 19 of the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394) and/or Section 3601 of the Tariff and Customs Code. Public officials involved may be held administratively or criminally liable under anti-graft laws and ethical standards.
They are refused entry or confiscated and destroyed at the expense of the importer to protect public health and the local animal population.
Yes, shipments held in abeyance due to labeling violations may be released upon compliance with modification measures required by the DA.