Spanish pork import ban lifted

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted a ban on the importation of pork and other swine products from Spain after recognizing the country’s regionalization for African swine fever (ASF).

“The move is expected to help diversify meat supply sources and ease pressure on domestic pork prices,” the DA said.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed DA Circular No. 22, recognizing Spain’s regionalization measures for ASF and allowing the resumption of importation of pork meat, pig skin and other swine by-products under agreed sanitary conditions between Manila and Madrid.

The ban on Spanish pork imports was implemented last year after ASF cases were reported in parts of Europe, prompting tighter border controls to protect the local 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 bilateral recognition of ASF regionalization among accredited trading partners.

The Bureau of Animal Industry said that Spain has maintained sufficient veterinary oversight and disease-control measures, significantly reducing the risk of ASF transmission through imported pork products.

Spain is among the world’s largest pork exporters and has long been an accredited supplier for the Philippine market.