Northwest Horticultural Council
Export Manual
PHILIPPINES
Capital: ManilaPopulation: 118,277,063 (2024)
Currency: Philippine Peso
Official Language(s): Filipino
I. CHEMICAL MAXIMUM RESIDUE LEVELS (MRLs)
The NHC’s MRL Database is a resource only available to U.S. growers, packers, and shippers of apples, pears, and sweet cherries who are located in the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and those that work with them. It is intended to be an initial guide for those U.S. Pacific Northwest companies interested in exporting tree fruit to select markets of interest. Commercially important information should be rechecked and verified with knowledgeable parties in the country of interest prior to sales or shipment. This Database utilizes global MRL data partially funded by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and managed by FoodChain ID. By accessing and using the NHC’s MRL Database, you acknowledge and agree that you have read and accept the foregoing terms and conditions of use and agree to be bound by them as an express condition to your continued use of the Database.
To access the MRL Database, click here.
II. CHEMICALS AND ADDITIVE INFORMATION
A. Chemical residue standards:
For apples, pears, and cherries, the Philippines follows maximum residue levels established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. A January 8, 2015, Global Agricultural Information Network report from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service confirmed that when there is no established Codex MRL, the U.S. MRL is accepted.
The Philippines does not maintain a default MRL.
B. Monitoring chemical residues:
The Bureau of Plant Industry oversees a National Residue Monitoring Program which tests imported fruits for chemical residues.
C. Restrictions on the use of waxes:
None.
III. ORGANIC FRUIT REGULATIONS
No rules for organic labeling are currently in effect.
IV. TARIFFS
Apples 7%
Pears 7%
Cherries 7%
V. NON-TARIFF BARRIERS
A. Labeling requirements:
1. Net content
2. Name and address of packer
3. Name and address of importer
4. Country of origin
5. Lot identification
B. Licenses and quotas:
None.
C. Currency Issues:
None.
D. Pest and plant disease restrictions:
The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture has a strict “Must Ship Out by Date” policy.
Fresh fruits must be loaded onboard the ocean vessel on or before 20 days from the date the “SPS Import Clearance (SPSIC)” is issued in the Philippines. All shipments with expired SPSIC shall be subject to confiscation procedures.
The Philippines Bureau of Plant Inspection may also validate the declared weight and quantity of an imported shipment. Excess weight of more than 0.1 percent from the declared weight in the SPSIC shall be confiscated or returned to origin.
Consult clearly with your importer to ensure compliance.
U.S. fruit from all states except Texas and Hawaii are permitted access to the Philippines subject to plant quarantine inspection. An import permit and federal phytosanitary certificate are required. The phytosanitary certificate must contain the following additional declaration: “Philippine Plant Protection Service import permit number (????) was presented.”
All containers must be shipped under either packing house or shipping line seals. The ocean freight container number(s) and corresponding seal number(s) must be listed on the phytosanitary certificate under “Distinguishing Marks.” Shippers should note that the container number(s) and corresponding seal number(s) must appear on the shipping documents, including the Inward Cargo Manifest and Bill of Lading.
Exporters are advised that breakage of container seals prior to arrival and verification by Philippine plant quarantine officials could subject the shipment to re-exportation or destruction with all expenses borne by the exporter/importer.
E. Other Requirements:
GM Declaration: The Philippines requires a GM declaration for imported apples. Under this requirement, importers complete and sign a declaration for shipments after arrival stating whether a shipment contains a GM ingredient. Shippers are advised to communicate with their customers regarding this requirement.
VI. MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES FOR PACIFIC NORTHWEST TREE FRUIT INDUSTRY:
Northwest Cherry Growers/Washington State Fruit Commission:
Reji Retugal-Onal
Synergy Asia Marketing Services Inc.
E-mail: rronal@synergyasia.biz
