Revised Guidelines in the Importation of Processed Dog Food and Cat Pet Foods

January 4, 2002

DA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 06-02

 

WHEREAS, Section 1 Article 2 of the GATT-WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) provides that "member countries have the right to take SPS measures necessary for the protection of human, animal or plant life of health";

WHEREAS, there is a need to harmonize existing import rules and regulations in accordance with increasing global trade while ensuring adequate agriculture quarantine;

WHEREAS, fully processed dog and cat pet foods manufactured under strict hygienic and sanitary conditions will not pose any threat of introducing infection or disease.

WHEREAS, existing guidelines require that importation of pet food shall need an issuance of import permit by Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI-DA);

WHEREAS, many countries allow importation of pet foods without requiring import permit;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LEONARDO Q. MONTEMAYOR, Secretary of Agriculture, by the power vested in me by law, do hereby prescribe the following guidelines on the importation of pet food:

1. Only pet food duly registered and produced by manufacturing plants accredited by BAI shall be allowed for importation.

2. An import permit will no longer be required for the importation of pet food, as long as an International Veterinary Certificate issued by the Veterinary Authority of the exporting country, accompanies the imported pet food attesting that:

a. The pet food originates from manufacturing plants accredited by BAI;

b. The country is free from BSE and the mammalian protein used is derived from animals born and bred in the country;

c. The country is free from Foot and Mouth Disease for the last six months prior to the date of export;

d. The product has undergone a manufacturing process that destroys infectious agents, packed in new and sterilized packages and precaution was taken to prevent the re-infection of the end product.

3. Upon arrival at the port of entry, the imported pet food shall be subjected to routine veterinary quarantine inspection and clearance. Only those that meet the existing veterinary quarantine requirements shall be endorsed to the Bureau of Customs for release.

All existing Orders, rules and regulations inconsistent herewith are hereby revoked, repealed and/or amended accordingly.

This ORDER shall take effect immediately. EaHcDS

 

(SGD.) LEONARDO Q. MONTEMAYORSecretary

RECOMMENDING APPROVAL:

 

(SGD.) JOSE Q. MOLINA, DVM, MVSDirector