Basic information
Outline of the system
Pursuant to Executive Order No. 292 of 1987, the BAI is mandated to prescribe rules and regulations in the importation of livestock, poultry and their allied industries.
Product coverage
The importation of animal and animal products, including animal feeds and feed ingredients, veterinary drugs, and biological products require all accredited importers to apply for a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC). The SPSIC is a document issued prior to the importation of the following products:
a) Live animals (including small animals that are plant pests, except insects) – HS 01;
b) Meat and meat preparations – HS 02;
c) Dairy products (including eggs) – HS 04;
d) Products of animal origin (not suitable for human consumption) – HS 05 (except 05.08);
e) Animal feeds and feed ingredients – HS 23;
f) Veterinary Drugs – HS 29.41; HS 3002.30.00; HS 30.04; and
g) Biological products – HS 3002.90.00.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Non-Automatic licensing to protect human, animal or plant life and health; protect environment
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The licensing requirement is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. It is instituted to ensure that the products being imported meet the standards to protect human, animal life or health, guarantee that the products are safe for consumers and to prevent the spread of pests or diseases of animals. At the moment, the BAI is not considering any alternative methods to achieve the purpose mentioned above.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
For quota products: Not applicable
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The requirement applies to the above-mentioned goods originating from all countries or any country which the prospective importers may wish to source their importation.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Ongoing
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
This licensing procedure is maintained through the following legal instruments:
a) Executive Order No. 292 of 1987;
b) Administrative Order No. 09, series of 2010; and
c) Administrative Order No. 37, series of 2000.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
These legal instruments cannot be abolished without the issuance of similar legal basis rendering them revoked or repealed.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Under the non-automatic licensing system, only importers who are registered and accredited with BAI and National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), for meat, shall be allowed to apply for the SPSIC.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Bureau of Animal Industry
Address
Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Telephone
(632)9200816 / (632)9282837 / (632)5282240
Fax
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
The application form shall be accompanied with the following documentary requirements:
a) Pro-Forma invoice; and
b) Other documentary requirements as maybe deemed necessary, e.g. License to Operate (LTO) for feeds, veterinary drugs, and biological products.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Application for the SPSIC must be filed online through the DA Trade System (DTS) at any given time prior to importation.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
Applications may be filed on any working day of the year.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
SPSIC cannot be granted immediately upon request, but it can be issued within 1-3 days.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
The processing and issuance of the SPSIC for animals and meat and meat preparations is administered by the National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division (NVQSD) of the BAI. The issuance of the SPSIC for animal feeds and feed ingredients, animal by-products including veterinary drugs and biological products is administered by the Animal Feeds Veterinary Drugs and Biologics Control Division (AFVDBCD). Both offices are located at Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Not applicable.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
For the issuance of the SPSIC – P200.00/issuance for animals and meat and meat preparations or P150.00/issuance for animal feeds and feed ingredients, animal by-products including veterinary drugs and biological products, and P55.00/application web processing fee.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance of the SPSIC.
Please refer to https://www.bai.gov.ph for further information.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
If the denial of the application is based on incomplete application, the applicant-importer is given the opportunity to complete the requirements.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
In the event that the application for SPSIC is denied by the Director of the BAI, the applicant/importer shall be informed accordingly online.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
In case of failure to complete the requirements within a given period, the application shall be rejected and the applicant/importer has to apply for SPSIC again.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
What documents are required upon actual importation?
The SPSIC is the sole document required for the importer to undertake importation.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
Not applicable.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
For the importation of live animals, meat, dairy products, eggs, feeds and feed ingredients, products of animal origin and veterinary drugs, the SPSIC must be utilized within 60 days from its issuance. For the importation of veterinary biological products, the SPSIC must be utilized within 90 days from its issuance. In case of failure to utilize the issued SPSICs within the prescribed period, the issued SPSICs will be considered expired and invalid.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for the non-utilization of the issued SPSIC.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licenses are made in the name of the applicant-importer only and are non-transferable.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.