THE temporary ban on imported pork products and by-products from Poland has been lifted following regionalization recognition of African swine fever (ASF) in that country, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Thursday.
The order to lift the ban, signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel on Jan. 14, is effective immediately and will remain in force unless revoked in writing.
Regionalization allows pork imports from specific, recognized ASF-free zones within countries that have ASF outbreaks, instead of imposing total import bans, balancing trade with biosecurity through strict DA rules.
Accredited countries apply, undergo a technical review by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), and sign bilateral agreements to permit trade from safe areas, ensuring products meet World Organization for Animal Health standards for safe transport and inspection.
Approval came after the Philippines requested documentary requirements from Poland’s veterinary authorities to assess public health control measures applied and implemented against ASF.
The BAI declared Poland has adequate veterinary oversight and necessary control and mitigating measures against the disease, assuring the public that there is a low risk in importing swine products, and by-products, including meat, from identified zones that were proposed for regionalization recognition.
Tiu Laurel noted that the chief veterinary officer of Poland had agreed to the terms and conditions of the lifting of the ban.
Imports should align with the guidelines set by DA Administrative Circular 12, Series of 2025, on the Bilateral Recognition on Regionalization of ASF from accredited countries for export of swine and/or their products and by-products, including meat.
