Philippines: New import regulations for pork create a framework for ASF regionalization
The Philippine Department of Agriculture has issued new regulations for pork imports. The aim is to further strengthen protective measures against African swine fever (ASF) while ensuring safe imports of pigs and pork products. A key element of the regulations, published in a circular at the end of 2025, is a regionalization concept that allows for the recognition of ASF-free zones within exporting countries, in accordance with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards. The regulations are to be reviewed after two years to ensure their effectiveness and relevance.
For countries like Germany or Spain, this does not currently mean an immediate market opening, but it does create, for the first time, the legal framework under which exports from unaffected regions could become possible in the future, provided all necessary procedures and criteria are met. A formal recognition procedure remains a prerequisite.
Bilateral recognition can take effect once the top veterinary officials of both countries sign the agreement and the Philippine Department of Agriculture issues a corresponding order. The provisions require exporting countries to submit annual reports on the status of African swine fever (ASF), detailing the surveillance, control, and eradication measures in place.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the government is continuing to work on a national zoning and movement plan to identify ASF-free areas and gradually stabilize pig populations. In parallel, measures to support domestic producers have been adopted. The Ministry reached an agreement with industry representatives on a minimum purchase price of 210 Philippine pesos (approximately €3.04) per kilogram of live weight to support the recovery of local pork production. Furthermore, plans are in place to reinstate a recommended price cap for pork at the retail level to protect consumers from excessive prices and ensure a balanced supply chain.
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