Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Affice of the Secretary
Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100 Philippines
Tax ldentification Number: 000-845-895
AZfune 2077
MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR
ruo.1 2
Series of 2017
SUBIECT: IMPORTATION PROCEDURES FOR IIVE ANIMATS INTO THE PHILIPPII{ES
WHEREAS, the strengthening of our country's importation and veterinary certification
procedures are critical amidst enhanced world trade liberalization;
WHEREAS, the Philippines is a member of the World Organization for Animal Health or
Affice International des Epizooties IOIEJ which has prescribed guidelines on importation and
veterinary certification procedures under its Terrestrial Animal Health Code issued in
accordance with the World Trade 0rganization [WTO) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary
and Phylosanitary [SPSJ Measures;
WHER-EAS, the Bureau of Animal Industry - National Veterinary Quarantine Services
Division IBAI-NVQSD] is mandated to set up a quarantine inspection system relative to
international movement of animals together with their documentation and issuance of permit
and commodity clearance pursuant to Section 5, Act lt{o. 3639 and Section 26, Executive
Order No. 338, Series of 2001, in order to prevent the entry ofexotic diseases and the spread
of endemic diseases in the country;
NOW THEREFORE, I, EMMANUET F. PIfriOL, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture
[DA), in accordance with the powers vested in me by law, do hereby issue this Memorandum
Circular governing the importation of live animals into the Philippines for the information,
guidance and compliance of all concerned.
SECTION 1. DEFINITION. OF TERMS:
1.1 ACCREDITATION - refers to the privilege granted by the DA to a country or Foreign
Farm/Animal Facility to export live animals to the Philippines after proper evaluation,
validation, on-site inspection and conduct of import risk analysis based on rules and
reguiations, recommendations and standards to determine the soundness of the veterinary
services, animal health surveillance/monitoring system of the government and the status
and features of Foreign Farm/Animal Facility, including compliance to animal health
welfare regulations.
1.2 ACCREDITED FOREIGN FARM/ANIMAL FACILITY - refers to a foreign establishment that
has been assessed by the BAI-VIT Team and has been found to meet the requirements to
export live anirnals to the Philippines
1.3 APPLICANT COUNTRY - refers to foreign country applying for accreditation as system or
individual accreditation of Foreign Farm/Animal Facility to export iive animals to the
Phiiippines.
'r4i{ffiriflfro'1.4 BAI VERIFICATION AND INSPECTION TEAM {BAI-VIT) - refers to the team of technical
experts endorsed by the BAI Director and designated by the DA Assistant Secretary for
Livestock to conduct risk assessment and evaluation of a Foreign Farm/Animal Facility.
1.5 CERTIFICATE OF FOREIGN FARM/ANIMAL FACILIWACCREDITATION - refers to the
legal instrument issued by the DA Secretary declaring and notifying the public that a
particular animal establishment has been accredited to export live animals to the
Philippines and has met all the requirements set by DA.
1.6 CERTIFICATE OF SYSTEM ACCREDITATION * refers to the legal instrument issued by the
DA Secretary declaring and notifying the public that a particular country has been
accredited to export live animals to the Philippines and has met all the requirements set by
DA.
L7 COMMODITY OF INTEREST - refers to the species of live animals [i.e., cattle, swine,
poultry, goats, sheep, wild animals, etc.) the applicant intends to export to the country.
1.8 INTERNATIONAL VETERINARY CERTIFICATE (IVC) - otherwise called as Veierinary
Health Certificate refers to the document issued by the BAI-NVQS which specifies that the
animals, animal products and by-products or animal effects intended for international
transport are free from any communicable animal diseases or are not carriers thereof.
1,.9 RISK ANALYSIS - refers to the process composed of hazard identification, risk assessment,
risk management, and risk communication.
1.10R.ISK ASSESSMENT - refers to the evaluation of the likelihood and the biological and
economic consequences of entry establishment or spread of a pathogenic agent within the
territory of an importing country.
1.11SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES - defined as measures applied [aj to
protect human or animal life from risks arising from additives, contaminants, toxins, or
disease-causing organisms in their food; [bj to protect human life from plant-or-animal
carried diseases; [c) to protect animal or plant life from pests, diseases, or disease-causing
organisms; and [dj to prevent or limit other damage to a country from the entry,
establishment or spread of pests. This also includes SPS measures taken to protect the
health of fish and wild fauna, as well as of forests and wild flora.
SECTION 2. SCOPE AI{D LIMITATIONS
This Circular shall apply to an individual Philippine-based importer or foreign governrnent
entity that intends to export live animals to the Philippines.
SECTION 3. GENERAL INFORMATION AhID R.EQUIREMENTS
3.1 The exporting country must be a member of the World Organisation for Anirnal Health
[orE].
3.2 The exporting country or foreign animal establishment must be on the list of countries or
animal establishment authorized/accredited to export live animals to the Philippines.
3.2 Before a country or a particular animal establishment is approved and commence with the
export of live animals, an evaluation of the country or the foreign animal establishrnent and
its competent authority will be carried out by the DA-BAI.
3.4 All imports must be accompanied by an International Veterinary Certificate IVCJ issued
and signed by the competent authority of the exporting country.
)1f,,,,LtL -!:-,tWl"'i-""3.5 ln the event that a disease outbreak occurred in the exporting country, the authorities may
apply temporary protective/preventive measures such as suspension of imports from all or
part ofthe country concerned.
3.6 Upon arrival at the port of entry, the animals and the accompanying certificates shall be
verified and checked by BAI-NVQSD official veterinarians. Further checks on the animals
may also be carried out at the final destination.
SE CTTO N 4. PRE-BORDER APPTTCATIOI{ PR.O CEDI.]RES
4.1 Interested applicants fcountry/individual importerJ may apply for a country or foreign
animal establishment accreditation by submitting a letter of intent to import live animals
addressed to the Secretary of Philippine Department of Agriculture.
4.2 Upon receipt of Letter of Intent, the DA - BAI shall send an accreditation questionnaire
(ANNEX A) to the exporting counffy without animal health status concerns, for completion.
4.3 The applicant country shall return the accomplished questionnaire with applicable
supporting documents to substantiate statements therein.
4.4 The DA - BAI shall make a preliminary evaluation of the application based on the
information provided by the applicant. The main activity in the preliminary evaluation is
the conduct of Risk Assessment.
4.5 The minimum target of completion of preliminary evaluation is 14-3A working days.
4.6 The Applicant with negligible Risk Assessment result will be recommended for ON SITE
VERIFICATION TNSPECTION.
4.7 The DA - BAI shall coordinate with the exporting country on the tentative schedule of
inspection and other peninent arrangements on logistics and validation activities. The
roundtrip economy airfare, daily subsistence allowance based on curent UNDP, and the
pre-travel expenses of One Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (P1,500.00) of the DA - BAI
inspector shall be charged to the available funds of the BAI subject to the usual
accounting and auditing rules and regulations.
4.8 The on-site verification and inspection of identified areas of interest of the DA - BAI shall be
carried out by the BAI Verification and Inspection Team (BAI-VIT) designated by the BAI
Director. It shall be composed of but not lirnited to technical representatives from'the
National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division INVQSD) and Animal Health and Welfare
Division IAHWDJ of the Bureau of Animal Industry. Other responsibilities of the BAI - VIT
shall include the preparation of Import Risk Analysis design and the preparation of 0n Site
Verification Inspection Report within 30 days from inspection date.
4.9 The BAI - VIT shall submit a Narrative Report with specified recommendations including risk
management measures as necessary to the BAI Director for endorsement to the DA Secretary
for his appropriate action. In addition, the BAI - VIT shall submit together with the report, a
prepared certificate of accreditation/authorization for signature of DA Secretary.
4.10Approved application for accreditation shall be issued a DA Certificate of
AccreditationlAuthorization and shall be published in major newsprint and national gazette.
4.11 Signed/Approved accreditation or certification will be issued to the exporling country thru
Philippine Embassy and/or Agricultural Attach6.
4.12 The accreditation/authorization shall be effective upon the issuance of a DA Certificate of
Accreditation/Authorization and shall continue to be in effecJ pfpyided -.the
I'dIJHaccredited/authorized countries or foreign animal establishment conform to the provisions
of this Circular.
4.13 The DA - BAI and the exporting country shall agree on the template to be used in the
International Veterinary Certificate to be issued by Applicant Country for all shipment
destined for the Philippines.
4.1-4 The competent authority is responsible to keep the lists of accredited animai
establishrnents up to date and to inforrn the DA of any changes. Further, the competent
authority shall submit a copy of annual animal health status report to the DA.
SECTTON 5. SUSPENSTOIq AND/OR CANCET,LAT'ION OF ACCBEDITATION/AUTHORIZATION
The accreditation/suspension shall be suspended and/or cancelled by DA if:
5.1 The accredited/authorized country violates relevant provisions of Philippine laws and DA
issuances that pose risk to human and animal health in the Philippines.
5.2 The accredited/authorized country or animal establishment fails to meet audit
requirements.
5.3 Occurrence of zoonotic and important notifiable diseases in the exporting country that may
pose riskto human and animal health.
5.4 Repeated rejection of consignments upon arrival due to evidence of animal health issues
and/or dereliction of duties in the inspection/control system of the exporting country.
5.5 Failure or lack of interest of competent authority to comply with the requirements.
sEcrlor{ 6. sPS/vQC IMPORT CLEAR.ANCE APPLICATION PROCED{JRES
6.1 Interested applicant/importer who intends to import live animals from DA
Accredited /Authorized countries or foreign animal establishment may submit a letter of
request to the BAI DIRECTOR indicating the following:
o Species, sex, age, quantity and animal identification number if applicable
e Country of Origin [Farm/Hatchery/Facility addressJ
e Purpose of Importationo Proposed Quarantine Site
o Expected Date of Arrival
e Name and Contact Details of Importer
Otlers req uired docurnents:
" Travel Plan. BackgroundofSupplier
" Application Form Veterinary Quarantine Clearance [VQC]ISPS to Import Live Animals
o Pro-forma Invoice or Sales Agreement
" For wild animals IDENR-BMBJo CITES certificate
o NON-CITEScertificate
6.2 The BAI - NVQSD shall review the application Letter and countercheck submitted
documents to the checklist. The standard language for the purpcse cf this application shall
be in English.
ru€ C0PY6.3 The BAI - NVQSD shall review latest advisories of relevant international bodies [018, Codex
and other DA recognized bodies) and/or the exporting competent authority on the animal
health status, presence of relevant diseases , and other SPS-related risks as part of Risk
assessment to veri$r the health status of DA accredited/authorized countries. Applicable
importation terms and conditions shall be derived from the result of the Risk Analysis and
shall be subject for compliance of exporting country.
6.4 The BAI - NVQSD shall noti$r the applicant on the findings of Risk Analysis and shall serve a
Notice of Quarantine Site Inspection to schedule the date of inspection of proposed
quarantine site.
6.5 A Certificate of Inspection for Approved Quarantine Site shall be issued to the applicant
upon due inspection and evaluation of the premises. The inspector or evaluator of approved
quarantine site shall inform the NVQSD and the VQS port of entry on the estimated arrival of
shipment.
6.6 In case of amendments in location of quarantine site, the applicant shall file a new request
indicating the following:
o Reason for change in quarantine site
" Commodityr SPS Import Clearance Number
o New Quarantine Site Address
Appiication may be filed with the nearest BAl-Regional Veterinary Quarantine Officer
IRVQO] of the new proposed location. Attach "Certificate of trnspection of Quarantine
Site" of the new Quarantine Location and submit together with the letter of request
maximum two [2J weeks prior to arrival. The BAI shall issue a Certification of Change of
Quarantine Site if the aforementioned requirements are complied.
6.7 The BAI - NVQSD shall submit the SPS Import Clearance/Veterinary Quarantine Clearance
to the BAI Director who will endorse the permit for approval of DA Secretary.
6.8 The approval and issuance of SPS Import Clearance/Veterinary Quarantine Clearance will
take a rninimum of 7 working days.
6.9 The SPS Import Clearance shall be valid for 60 days from its issuance and it indicates the
period for which the actual consignment should have left the country of origin. An unused
SPS Import Clearance/ Veterinary Quarantine Clearance shall be considered automatically
expired/cancelled after its must ship out date.
6.10 The BAI - NVQSD Central Office shall inform the travel itinerary of concerned Veterinary
Quarantine Station 2 weeks prior to arrival.
6.11On arrival at the port of entry, the Veterinary Quarantine Officer shail check the necessary
accompanying documents for compliance and the general status of the animals.
6.11 The BAI - NVQSD shall conduct inspection of animals under quarantine period which is
within 30 days upon arrival of animals.
6.12 The BAI - NVQSD fCentral Office or Veterinary Quarantine Station] shall issue a Certificate
of Quarantine Release within 24 }:.rs after the end of 30-day quarantine.
rue CopyThus, the following shall be the step-by-step pre-border procedures to be observed:
*BAI Verification and Inspection Team shall be composed of representatives from tite National Veterinary Quarantine Services
Division (NVQSD) and Animal Health and Welfure Division (AHWD) of the Bureau of Animal lndustrySTEPACTIVITY PERSON RESPONSItsLE TtrMEFRAME
1Submit a letter of intent to import into
the Philippines, speciflring type of market
access; Country Accreditation or Foreign
Animal Facility Accreditation, as well as
commodity of interest [i.e., cattle, swine,
poultry, goats, sheep, wild animals, etc.J
endorsed by their government to the
Secretary of Philippine Department of
Agriculture indicating the following:
o Species, sex, age and number of
animals
o Country of Origin:
Farm/Hatchery / Facility Address
c Purpose of Importation
. Expected Date of Arrival
" Name and Contact Details of
Importer
Others required documents:
. Travel Plan
" BackgroundofSupplierApplicant Country
OR
Philippine based-Importer
?Review of application and send list of
requirements to the exporling country as
aonlicableDA-BAI 3-5 Working Days
nJSubmit complete set of requirements as
soecified in AnnexA.Applicant Country
4Review of documents for comnleteness DA-BAI 3-5 Workins Davs
5Conducts risk assessrnent and if result is
favorable, recommends to the BAI
Director the sending of BAI Verification
and Insoection Tearn I'BAI-VITI*DA-BAI
1.4-30 Working
Days
6On-site verifi cation and inspecLion BAI Verification and
Inspection TeamTo be determined
Review of Risk Assessment and on site
verification results including risk
manasement as aonlicableDA.BAI
Within 30 days
upon inspection oSubmit recommendation including risk
management measures as necessary to
the DA SecretarvDA- BAI
9Conducts FINAL review; Issues
Administrative Circular and CertificateDA Secretary Within 30 days
upon submission
of rerort
10Agreed template on International
Veterinary Certificate to be issued by
Applicant Country for all shipment
destined for the PhilippinesApplicant Country and DA
To be determined
ir\l/' I jDETAII,ED PR.OCESS OF PR.E-BORDER IIVE ANIMAT IMPORTACCREDITATTOFJ
STEP DETATI,S PERSON/AGENCY
CONCERNEDTIMEFRAME
APPLCATION PHASE
1Rece
Annlpt of Letter of Intent [LOI] from
cant/Exporting CountrvDA.OSEC
2Endorsement of LOI to Chief Veterinary Officer
rCVOlDA.OSEC1-2 days
3CVO writes Exporting Country regarding animal
health status concernsDA-BAI
5-7 days4Applicant with no animal health status concerns will
be forwarded a Questionnaire for completionDA-BAI
5Submits the required information with endorsemen
from their EmbassvApplicant Country
6Acknowledge receipt of requirements and check for
completeness of submitted requirementsDA-BAI
7-1,4 days7Applicant country with Incomplete requirements
will be communicated back for comolianceDA-BAI
BApplicant with complete requirements is endorsed
for Risk AssessmentDA-BAI
9Applicant with negligible RiskAssessment result wil
be recommended for On Site verification inspection
and informs exporting country of tentative schedule
for BAI Verification and Inspection missionDA-BAI
Within 14-30 days 10A letter will be sent to Applicant country for
disapp roved applicationDA-OUSEC
71Sends communication request of itinerary for BAI-
VIT and administrative arrangements to Applicant
countryDA.BAI
'TIERIFICATION PHASE
12Conduct of pre-departure orientation DA-BAI Within 10 days
before departure
13Departure of BAI-VIT teamBAI Verification
and Inspection
TeamTo be determinedL4Courtesy call at the Embassy [foreign country] and
conduct of Entry conference
15Onsite inspection and verification
16Conduct of Exit Conference
EVAL]ATION /CO NCLUDIT{G PTIASE
17Submits inspection report and presentation of
results to BAI DirectorBAI Verification
and Inspection
TeamWithin 30 days
after inspection
mission1BFinalization of BAI-VIT Report for submission to
OSEC
L9Prepares certifi cate of accreditation/certification fol
successful applicant and endorses to OSEC for
sisnatureDA.BAI
20Signed/Approved accreditation/certifi cation will be
issued to country thru Philippine Embassy and/or
Agricultural Attach6
Publication of the issued accreditation/certification
to a maior newsprint and national gazetteDA.BAI
Within 30 days
after submission o1
report
21Disapproved appiications wili be communicated
throush an official letterDA-OUSEC
/ I l .r {r .!SECTION B. REPEALING CLITUSE
All Rules and regulations and other issuances which are inconsistent with the provisions of this
Memorandum Circular are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
This Circular shall take effect after Fifteen [15J days from the date of publication in a newspaper
cf general circulation or filing of three [3J certified copies thereof with the National
Administrative Register at the UP Law Center.
Approved this 6lq day of 0drcbcr 2017 in Quezon City, Philippines.
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL:
lt-
\\\
ENRTCO P. GAqpON,lR., DVM
Asst. S ecretarV {6j1 Livestock/O I C Director BAI
\T\t
\
DEPARIMENT OF AORICULTURE
iilllllllilllllllllllllllllllllllllilililililililil ilillilililililill
rF rtplyln! pb cltr thb cod. :
For Signature: 8.08.11.0302
R.c.lv.d : 08/17l?0i7 01:48 pM
t{fl{'' ;ir-i';
LO{J R-DIJS $. r,I"ECHAS
Supervisirg i\dmi nistrarive Otfi s€rSecretary
Sliiagr'ANNEXA
5.1.2. Numbers of veterinary diagnostic laboratories operating in
the country;
5.L.2.1,. Government operated laboratories;
5.1.2.2. Private iaboratories accredited by government for
the purposes of supporling official or officially-endorsed animal
health control or public health testing and monitoring programs
and import/export testing.
5.1.3. Descriplive summary of accreditation procedures and
standards for private iaboratories
5.1.4. Human and financial resources allocated to the government
veterinary laboratories, including staff numbers, graduate and
post-gr:aduate qualifications and opportunities for further
training.
5.1.5. List of diagnostics methodologies available against major
diseases of livestock including poultry
5.1.6. Details of collaboration with external laboratories including
internationai reference laboratories and details on numbers of
samples submitted.
5.1.7. Details of quality control and assessment [or validation]
programs operating within the veterinary laboratory services.
5.1.8. Recent published reports of the official veterinary laboratory
service which should include details of specimens received and
foreign animal disease investigations made.
5.1.9. Details of procedures for storage and retrieval of
information on specimen submission and results.
5.1.10. Reports of independent reviews ofthe laboratory services
conducted by government or private organizalions fifavailable]
5.1.11. Strategic and operational plans for the official veterinary
laboratory service fif available')
5.2. Research Laboratories flaboratories engaged primarily in research)
5.2.1, Numbers of veterinary research laboratories operating in
the country:
5.2. 1. 1 Government operated laboratories;
5.2.1.2.Private laboratories involved in full time research
directiy related to animal health and veterinary public
health matters involving production animal species.
5.2.2. Summary of human and financial resources allocated by
government to veterinary research.
5.2.3. Published programs of future government sponsored
veterinary research.
5.2.4. Annual reports of the government research laboratories
6. Functional Caoabilities and Leeislative Sunnort
Assessment of the adequacy and implementation of relevant
legislation [nationai or sub-nationalJ concerning the foliowing:
6.1. Animal and veterinary pubiic health controls at national
frontiers;
6.2. Control of endemic animal diseasbs, inciuding zoonoses;
6.3. Emergency powers for control of exotic disease outbrea]<,
including zoonoses;
6.4. Registration and use of veterinary pharmaceutical products
includins vaccines.
7. Assessment ofAbility of Veterinary Services to Enforce Legislation
7,1 Export and Imnort Inspection
Assessment of the adequacy and implementation of relevant
nationai legislati on concernin g:
7.1.1. Animal health and veterinary public health controls of the
export and import of animals, animal genetic material, animal
products, animal leedstuffs and other products subject to
veterinary inspection;
7.1.2. Animal health controls of the importation, use and bio-
containment of organisms which are etiological agents of animal
diseases, and of pathological materials;
7.1.3. Animal health controls of importation of veterinary
biological products inciuding vaccines;
7.1.4. Administrative Dowers available to Veterinatv Senices for
4l?;.,;e wp/'ANNEXA
inspection and registration of facilities for veterinary control
purposes [if not included under other legislation mentioned
above];
7.1.5. Documentation and compliance.
7.1.6. Assessment of abiiity of Veterinary Services to enforce
7,2 Animal Health Controls
7.2.1, Description of and sample reference data from any national
animal disease reporting system controlled and operated or
coordinated by the Veterinary Services.
7.2.2. Description of and sample reference data from other
national animal disease reporting systems controlled and operated
by other organizations which make data and results availabie to
Veterinary Services.
7.2.3. Description and relevant data of current official control
programs including
7.2.3.1.Epidemiological surveillance of monitoring
programs;
7.2.3.2. Officially approved industry-administered control
or eradication programs for specific diseases.
7.2.4. Description and relevant details of animal disease
emergency preparedness and response plans.
7.2,5. Recent history of animal disease status.
7.2.5.t. Animal diseases eradicated nationally or from
defined sub-national zones in the last ten years;
7 .2.5.2. Animal diseases of which the prevalence has been
controlled to a low level in the last ten years;
7.2.5.3. Animal diseases introduced to the country or to
previously free sub-national regions in the last ten years;
7 .2.5.4. Emerging diseases in the last ten years;
7.2.5.5. Animal diseases of which the prevalence has
increased in the last ten
B. Mem to the OIE
State if the applicant country is a member of the OIE and brief
history of its membershi
Part III. Veterinary Public Health Program
1,1. Management Structures
1.1.1. Give the details of the NCA [for meat inspection and meat
hygiene] to inciude main responsibilities and contact details of the
key officials.
1.1.2. Describe the structure of the NCA and provide an
organizational chart from the national to sub-national. Indicate the
address of each office.
1.1.3. Indicate to whom the head of the NCA reports to. Describe
the linkages of the NCA with other related government agencies.
1.2. Independence ofthe NCA
1.2.1. Procedure to ensure the independence ofthe NCA
1.2.2. Links existing between the NCA and the industry, consumer
groups and other private bodies.
1.2.3. Powers of investigation and enforcement given to the NCA
1.3. Resources
1.3.1. Financial
Indicate the budget for the operation of the NCA finclude those
provided by the government and other sources]
1,3.2. Personnel
1,.3.2.7. Give the total number of official veterinarians
employed directly by the NCA for the inspection of meat
and meat products for export and domestic consumption.
1,3.2.2. Give the total number of official non- veterinary
meat inspectors employed directly by the NCA for the
inspection of meat and meat products for export and
domestic consumption including the education
requirements for ihese inspectors
7.3.2.3. Give the total number of personnel in the national
LOURDES B' lLlllrt! t:', _ 5lP;.ritANNEXA
meat laboratories and its extension laboratories and
their specific fu nctions.
1-.3.2.4. Give the number of sub-national meat
laboratories, their functions and personnel.
1.3.3. Personnel Conduct
1.3.3.1. Rules that apply to the private/professional
conduct of government officials outside their officiai
duties
L.3.3.2. Code of discipiine for Meat Inspection Officers.
l-.3.4. Recruitment and training
7.3.4.1. Give the minimum qualifications/requirements
for veterinarians.
7.3.4.2. Give the minimum qualifications/requirements
for non-veterinary meat inspectors.
L.3.4.3. Give the details of the initial and continuing
training programs for newiy recruited and reguiar
veterinary and non-veterinary meat inspectors in
relation to their duties and functions. Include also the
continued professional development.
1.3.5. Enforcement powers
1.3.5.1. Indicate powers of enforcernent and sanctions in
the event ol non-compliance with existing rules and
regulations.
7.3.5.2. Indicate the power of NCA to require data or
information from a particular meat establishment.
1.3.6. Control programs
Describe any formal written system for the identification and
prioritization of food safety controls operated by the NCA, Explain
how regular reviews are undertaken ofthe control program.
1.3.7. Documentation of controls
Provide details of written official control programs and provide
examples of documented results. \&rhat actions are taken in
response to these results?
2. Certiflrcation
2.1. Describe the system of printing, storage, maintaining and
distribution ofcertificates to include the entity responsibie for it.
2.2. Describe the procedure for the completion of certificates
fattach flow chartJ.
2.3. Provide the iists of authorized controlling officer signatories
for heaith certificates and who are authorized to sign / issue
health certificates for export.
2.4. Procedure in the recall and amendment of sigaed certificates
fattach flow chart-l and the authorized sisnatorv.
3. Imoort Controls
This section relates to control of operation over imports from a
tbird country
3.1. Describe the general controls over the import of meat and
meat products fiegislation, approved countries and meat piant
estabiishments, issuance of impori permits, public health
guarantees, certificatiorl post-import testing, etcl.
3.2. Describe the type and frequency of checks carried out on
imports of meat and meat products at the point of entry.
3.3. Indicate the status and responsibility ofthe officer in charge of
import controls at the border inspection posts.
3.4. Describe the action availabie under legislation and actually
taken when an illegal import is detected that is related to public
health safety.
4. Laboratory Services
4.1. Describe the management structure of the NCA laboratory
s e rvi ce [i nclude the organizati onal stru ctu re]
4.2. State ifthe laboratory is certified by an international body. If
yes, specify.
4.3. indicate if it accredits private laboratories to perform
Iaboratorv testinsCp{,frtrflTn'e CoPY
LOL}R.DES B. PLE,CI{AS 6li=r:,2:AhJNEXA
4.4. Give and describe any links with international reference
laboratories.
4.5. Give details ofthe type oftests undertaken bythe laboratories
in respect to food hygiene with the test results reported [e.g.
Microbial, residue, etc.J
4.6. Dessribe tire laboratory participation in the conduct of
proficiency testing
4.7 . Give details of internal quality management systems [e.g. ISO
GLP etc.l that exist in the laboratory.
4.8. Describe qualifications and academic credential oflaboratory
staff.
4.9. Give ffaining programs for iaboratory staff in relation to their
duties and functions.
5. Food SafeW Standards
5.1. Give details of the national meat safety and quaiity assurance
program. Documentation of this program and its result should be
provided.
5.2. Give the frequency ofvisit/inspection and nature ofregulatory
controls of the NCA over the operation of meat establishments.
5.3. Describe the procedures for the granting, suspension and
withdrawal of accreditation/registration for meat estabiishments.
Describe the notification/communication procedures in the
issuance of the registration list of meat establishments. Where are
these published?
5,4. Give the frequency/standard of medical check-up of food
handlers and how the health status of the empioyees is addressed.
5.5. Dessribe if any, the quality assurance management system that
meat establishment operators are required to implement and
include the role of the NCA
5.6. Describe the product traceability system.
5.7. Describe the product recall system in placed.
5.8. Describe the required labeiing official health mark used on
carcasses, and labels of packaged meat, to indicate that the meat
and meat products were prepared in registered or accredited meat
estabiishment. Its reproduction {manufacture of stamps, printing
of labelsJ and control to prevent unauthorized use.
5.9. Provide details of categories of products other than that
passed for human consumption, in establishments registered for
export for meat and meat products. [e.g, for pet food, for rendering
for feed manufacture, etc.J
6. HACCP for equivalent international standard] Program
6.1. Describe the system that firmly establishes the NCA's
requirement pertaining to the adoption of a meat safety and
quality assurance program by meat establishments.
6.2. Describe t}le NCA's audit system to ensure the effective
enforcement of the orosram.
7. Residue Flan
7.1. Provide a copy of reguiations used in the control of
agricultural/industrial chemical residues and veterinary drugs,
providing the list of respeclive tolerances and withdrawal
program.
7. 2. Describe the residue-monitoring pro gram.
7.3. Describe system of approving use of peslicides and herbicides
for crops used as animal feeds. Include a list of the approved
chemicais.
B. Sub-National VeterinaryAuthority {State or Province}
8.1. Describe levels of control over meat inspection and meat
hygiene to cover the whole range of supply to retail trade. Is there
legislation attendant to the functional arrangement.
8.2. Describe in detaii supervisory authority ofnationai veterinary
authoriw over sub-national control systems/organizations.
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7li::iti:{a Lfll j li'.$,rriS B. PI'ECHAS