Fisheries Administrative Order No. 195 S. 1999 establishing Rules and Regulations Governing Importation of Fresh/Chilled/Frozen and Fishery Aquatic Products.

This Fisheries Administrative Order, consisting of 15 sections, establishes Rules and Regulations Governing Importation of Fresh/Chilled/Frozen and Fishery Aquatic Products. In line with the government’s intent of adopting a flexible policy towards the attainment of food security; in response to the emerging trends in the trade of fish and other aquatic products in domestic and international markets; in recognition of the need to ensure food safety on imported fish and fishery/aquatic products; and pursuant to Section 61 [c] and [d], Sections 62, 67, and 100 of Republic Act 8550, otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998. The importation of fresh/chilled/frozen fish and fishery/aquatic products shall be allowed when certified as necessary by the Secretary in order to achieve food security taking into consideration public welfare and safety, in consultation with the NFARMC; Provided, that the importation of fresh/chilled/frozen fish and fishery/aquatic products for canning and processing purposes including importation undertaken by institutional buyers does not require such certification; Provided, further, That all importation satisfies the Permit to Import and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements as provided under Section 67 of Republic Act No. 8550.
The certification which shall be valid for 90 days, would state the volume of fish to be imported as recommended by the Director upon prior consultation with the private sector as defined in this Order. Pursuant to Section 61 of Republic Act No. 8550, the Secretary, in consultation with the NFARMC, prior to the issuance of a certification on the necessity of the importation applied for, shall determine, among others, the following: a) The importation is necessary for food security. b) There is serious injury or threat to domestic industry that produces like or directly competitive products. The Secretary and the NFARMC, as an aid in the decision-making process, may inquire from the appropriate local government unit on the supply and demand situation for fishery products as observed in their respective localities.