Law Summary

Introduction

This summary outlines the key provisions and amendments of the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 56, Series of 2000, which amends Administrative Order No. 39, Series of 2000, regarding the guidelines for the importation of meat and meat products into the Philippines.

I. Exporting Country Requirements

Legal Principle/Provision: This section mandates that packaging for imported meat products must comply with specific labeling requirements as defined under Philippine law.

• Key Definitions Introduced:

  • Consumer Act of the Philippines: Governs labeling standards.
  • Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) AO No. 88-B: Outlines rules for labeling pre-packaged food products.

• Important Requirements:

  • Labels must include:
    • Trade name and brand name
    • Exporter’s business name and address
    • Country of origin
    • Lot identification
    • Product description and ingredient list
    • Net quantity
    • Dates of manufacture and packaging
    • Minimum durability or expiration date
    • Handling and storage instructions
  • Labels must be in English or Filipino with specified text sizes.

II. Release Procedures

Legal Principle/Provision: This section outlines the process for releasing imported meat products from customs.

• Important Requirements:

  • Importers must notify the Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Quarantine Office (DAVQO) at least three (3) days before arrival.
  • Shipments must include an Import Veterinary Certificate (IVC) in English.
  • Release by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) requires:
    • Presentation of VQC, IVC, Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, and Packing list.
    • Completion of veterinary quarantine inspection.
    • Payment of inspection fee.
    • Issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Inspection Certificate (VQIC).

• Relevant Timeframes:

  • VQIC to be provided to the National Meat Inspection Commission (NMIC) immediately after clearance.
  • NMIC must inspect meat within 48 hours of arrival and issue Imported Meat Inspection Clearance (IMIC) within 3 working days.

III. Confiscation and Disposition

Legal Principle/Provision: This section outlines the circumstances under which imported meat products may be confiscated.

• Key Provisions for Confiscation:

  • Lack of authentic VQC/SPS Import Permit or IVC.
  • Removal of goods from storage before IMIC release.
  • Exceeding the approved import volume by more than 3%.
  • Non-compliance with labeling and packaging requirements.
  • Discrepancies between IVC and VQC.

• Important Requirements:

  • Importers may be given a 7-day opportunity to correct labeling issues.
  • If corrective measures take longer than 7 days, guarantees for completion must be provided within 30 days.

IV. Transitory Provisions

Legal Principle/Provision: All existing importers and exporters are automatically accredited unless their accreditation is revoked by the Department of Agriculture.

V. Repealing Clause

Legal Principle/Provision: Any provisions of AO 39 that conflict with this Order are repealed.

VI. Effectivity Clause

Legal Principle/Provision: This Order takes effect seven (7) days after publication in a newspaper of national circulation.

Key Takeaways

• The amendments enhance the guidelines for importing meat and meat products, emphasizing compliance with labeling and veterinary inspection.
• Importers must adhere to strict notification and documentation requirements prior to the arrival of shipments.
• Non-compliance can lead to confiscation of goods and requires immediate corrective actions.
• Existing accreditation of importers and exporters is maintained unless revoked.