BOC tightens rules on entry of meat products

The government has tightened the rules on the entry of imported meat and meat products to protect the local livestock industry.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has advised Manila-based agents of international shipping companies not to load animal products bound for the Philippines that are not covered by an import authority permit from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its concerned bureaus.

The BOC said importation of agricultural products, particularly meat and meat products, is still regulated and that they require the issuance of veterinary quarantine clearance on top of the import permit from the DA.

Customs Deputy Commissioner Ray Allas of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service said he has issued an order to confiscate all shipments of meat and meat products that are not covered by a clearance from the DA.

While admitting that the volume of importation of meat and meat products had reached a very high level, Allas said control over its importation rests with the DA.

"The bureau is only an implementing agency," Allas said. – Rey Arquiza