Basic information
Outline of the system
Pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1433, otherwise known as Plant Quarantine Decree of 1978, the importation of plant and plant products shall be governed by the rules and regulations that will be promulgated from time to time by the Director of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) with the approval of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Product coverage
The importation of plant and plant products requires 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 plant and plant products:
(a) Living plants, nursery stocks, mushroom cultures and including spawn, and vegetative parts thereof used as propagating materials – HS 0601; HS 0602;
(b) Nuts and unprocessed seeds either for planting or consumption – HS 0801; HS 0802; HS 1209;
(c) Fresh fruits, vegetables and other plant products such as fresh onion, garlic, ginger, etc. which have been declared as prohibited/restricted import under special quarantine orders because of being known host of dangerous plant pest or originating from restricted areas – HS 07; HS 08;
(d) Pure culture of fungi, bacteria virus, nematodes and other phytopathogenic materials – HS 3002.90.00; HS 3821;
(e) Algae cultures, rhizobial cultures as legume inoculants – HS 1212.21.90; 3002.90.00;
(f) Soil and plant materials for isolation of organism – HS 2508.40.90; HS 3822;
(g) Other plant cultures – HS 0602.90.90.
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 or plant life or health, guarantee that the products are safe for consumers, and to prevent the spread of pests or diseases of plants. At the moment, the BPI 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) Presidential Decree No. 1433 of 1978;
(b) Department Circular No. 04, series of 2016;
(c) DA Administrative Circular No. 08, series of 2016; and
(d) DA Administrative Circular No. 09, series of 2015.
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 with BPI and DTS and accredited by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) 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 Plant Industry (BPI)
Address
692 San Andres Street, Malate, Manila, Philippines
Telephone
(632) 2442950, (632) 2512272, (632)2512267, (632)2512262
Fax
E-mail address
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)
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 coming from the supplier;
(b) Non-GMO Certification or GMO Transformation Event Certification coming from the supplier;
(c) Location from port of entry to final destination (for plants and planting materials);
(d) Brief Research Proposal (for commodity used for research purposes);
(e) Import Commodity Clearances/Import Permit for tobacco, milled rice, coconut product, fibre, and sugarcane from concerned bureau/agency; and
(f) Other documents as maybe deemed necessary.
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 is administered by the National Plant Quarantine Services Division (NPQSD) of the BPI, located at 692 San Andres Street, Malate, Metro Manila.
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 – Php300.00/issuance and Php55.00/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.buplant.da.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?
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
In the event of disapproval by the Director of the BPI, the applicant is informed online of the reason for such disapproval.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
The applicant is required to apply for a new application. Applicants are not charged for disapproved application.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
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 fresh plant products, the SPSIC must be utilized within 20 days from its issuance. For the importation of plants, planting materials and other plant products; the SPSIC must be utilized within 60 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.