Title
Amendment on SPS Clearance for Fish Imports from Japan
Law
Bfar Fisheries General Memorandum Order No. 001-a
Decision Date
Jan 16, 2012
The BFAR Fisheries General Memorandum Order No. 001-A mandates stringent radionuclide testing and certification for fish and fishery product imports from specific Japanese prefectures, prohibiting certain species from Fukushima and imposing penalties for non-compliance.
A

Radionuclide Testing Requirement for Specific Prefectures

  • Applies to fish and fishery products imported from Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma prefectures.
  • Mandatory submission of radionuclide test results for Iodine 131, Cesium 134, and Cesium 137.
  • Test results must come from Japan's competent authority.
  • Products must conform to Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) Administrative Order No. 01, series of 2009 guidance levels.

Documentation Requirement for Other Prefectures

  • Imports from other Japanese prefectures require a Certificate of Origin.
  • Certificate must be issued by Japan's competent authority.
  • Must clearly state the prefecture of origin of the consignment.

Prohibited Fish Species from Fukushima Prefecture

  • Importation ban on cherry salmon, sand lance, Japanese dace, and ayu from Fukushima.

Procedures for Detection of Contamination Beyond Thresholds

  • Radiation portals at Philippine ports of entry detect radionuclide levels in consignments.
  • Consignments exceeding threshold radionuclide levels are confiscated.
  • Confiscated products are sent to PNRI for laboratory analysis.
  • PNRI has authority to determine the appropriate disposition of confiscated consignments.

Responsibilities and Financial Burden on Importers

  • Importers bear all expenses related to:
    • Laboratory analysis
    • Storage
    • Transportation
    • Disposal of confiscated contaminated consignments

Effectivity and Enforcement

  • The Memorandum Order takes immediate effect upon issuance.
  • It remains enforceable unless revoked earlier.

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