Procedures for Shipment Release
- Importer must notify the Veterinary Quarantine Officer (DAVQO) at least 3 days before arrival via Notice of Arrival Form.
- Shipment must have an Import Veterinary Certificate (IVC) in English from the exporting country's Veterinary Administration.
- Steps before Bureau of Customs (BOC) release:
- Importer submits original VQC, original IVC, Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, and Packing List for verification.
- Mandatory veterinary quarantine inspection by random sampling or documentation review must be completed.
- Payment of veterinary quarantine inspection fee is required.
- Issuance of VQIC and "Inspected and Passed" stamp on BOC import documents.
- DAVQO must send a copy of VQIC to the National Meat Inspection Commission (NMIC) immediately after clearance.
- Importer notifies NMIC upon BOC release and delivery of goods to cold storage/warehouse/processing plant using specific request form.
- NMIC responsibilities:
- Conduct meat inspection by random sampling within 48 hours after goods arrival.
- Carry out microbial and chemical analyses for compliance with Philippine standards.
- Issue Imported Meat Inspection Clearance (IMIC) within 3 working days post-arrival upon fee payment.
- If lab results are delayed, IMIC will state goods are under surveillance, subject to recall if unsafe.
Grounds and Procedures for Confiscation and Disposition of Imported Meat
- Confiscation applies if:
- Shipment lacks authentic VQC/SPS Import Permit and/or IVC.
- Shipment is removed from approved storage before IMIC release.
- Quantity exceeds VQC and IVC approved volume by more than 3%; only excess quantity is confiscated.
- Labels and packaging do not meet requirements unless importer undertakes corrective measures within 7 days (or up to 30 days with guarantees).
- Discrepancies between IVC information and VQC requirements or SPS conditions unless corrected within 7 days.
Accreditation of Existing Importers and Exporters
- All existing importers and exporters are considered accredited unless accreditation is revoked upon review and assessment by the Department of Agriculture.
Repealing Clause
- Provisions of the prior Administrative Order No. 39 inconsistent with these amendments are repealed.
Effectivity Clause
- The Order takes effect seven (7) days after publication in a newspaper of national circulation.