DA issues new rules for meat importers

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), has issued new rules for the accreditation of meat importers to eliminate fly-by-night traders.

In a phone interview yesterday, NMIS director Minda Manantan said the DA, through Administrative Order No. 9 issued in March 18, now requires new meat importers to submit their audited financial statements to the NMIS to qualify for acceditation.

Exempted from the rule are businesses that have only been in operation for less than a year.

The DA has also imposed a minimum, paid up capital requirement of P5 million for new meat importers. No capitalization requirement was required before.

 Manantan said that based on consultations, the capitalization requirement is based on the estimated value of a 40-foot container of imported meat.

Also prohibited is the importation of Indian buffalo meat for distribution to wet markets.

“Indian buffalo meat, which is intended solely for processing due to SOS concerns, is not allowed to be traded and must be separated from other imported meats, particularly those intended for trading or distribution,” said Manantan.

She said the administrative order is promulgated in line with the agency’s mandate to promote food safety by improving administrative processes and to level the playing field for importers.

“Hence the compliant and duly accredited ones will not be negatively affected, Manantan said.