May 19, 2026
 

Philippines lifts Spanish pork import ban after ASF regionalization recognised

Spain's inclusion as an accredited source under bilateral sanitary protocols reopens a key supply channel for the Philippine market.

 

The Philippine Department of Agriculture has lifted its ban on pork and swine product imports from Spain, following its recognition of Spain's regionalization measures for African swine fever (ASF).

 

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed DA Circular No. 22, which formally recognises Spain's ASF regionalization framework and allows the resumption of imports of pork meat, pig skin and other swine by-products, subject to agreed sanitary conditions between Manila and Madrid.

 

The ban had been imposed the previous year after ASF cases were reported in parts of Europe, prompting the Philippines to tighten border controls to protect its domestic hog industry.

 

Under the new directive, all import transactions from Spain must comply with bilateral import protocols, Philippine quarantine regulations and Administrative Circular 12, which established the framework for recognising ASF regionalization among accredited trading partners.

 

The Bureau of Animal Industry determined that Spain had maintained sufficient veterinary oversight and disease-control measures to reduce the risk of ASF transmission through imported products.

 

The DA said the resumption of Spanish pork imports is expected to help diversify meat supply sources and ease pressure on domestic pork prices.

 

Spain is among the world's largest pork exporters and has previously been an accredited supplier to the Philippine market.

 

— The Philippine Star