Whereas, there is a need to strengthen agriculture quarantine services and harmonize existing import rules and regulations in accordance with the increasing global trade;

I, EDGARDO J. ANGARA, Secretary of Agriculture, pursuant to Section 18, Chapter 4, Title IV, Book IV of Executive Order No. 292, and the provisions of RA 7394 otherwise known as The Consumer Act of the Philippines do hereby order:

That DA A.O No. 4, series of 1998, œRevised Guidelines in the Importation of Agricultural Products  is hereby amended such that:

I.      The scope of the Order shall not be limited to Agricultural Products, but must include LIVE ANIMALS; PLANTS; FISHES and their products and by-products;

II.     An Import Permit (SPS Certificate) must be required prior to importation of Agricultural Products; Live Animals; Plants; Fishes; their products and by-products. Such importation must be accompanied by a Sanitary/Phytosanitary/Health Certificate from the country of origin.

III.    Agricultural Products; Live Animals^[*] ; Plants; Fishes, their products and by-products imported without the required Import Permit are deemed illegal and are subject to the pertinent provisions of RA 7394 and to existing DA Quarantine rules and regulations.

All existing Orders and Issuances inconsistent herewith are hereby revoked, repealed and/or amended accordingly.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 24 Apr. 2000

(SGD.) EDGARDO J. ANGARA
Secretary

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^[*] May exclude companion animals (except Horses), and other non-food animals not listed as endangered species under CITES, provided accompanied by a Veterinary Health Certificate from country of origin.