Cow leather not included DA SUSPENDS IMPORTATION OF PIG SKIN FROM ASF AREA

The Department of Agriculture has temporarily banned the importation of pig skin leather from countries affected by the African Swine Fever, including China, as it steps up measures to protect the Philippine Hog Industry.

DA Memorandum Orders No. 23 and 26, series of 2018 issued on Jan. 25 banned the importation of domestic and wild pigs and their products as emergency measures to prevent the entry of African swine fever (ASF) virus into the Philippines.

ASF is a severe threat to the swine industry and its introduction threatens food security and challenges the livelihoods of pig producers.

Because of the continuing outbreaks in China, leather of pig origin is temporarily banned. ASF virus can survive up to 300 days in skin/fat (even dried).

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) is now conducting risk assessment on the introduction of ASF virus through importation of leather products from China. Also, BAI is considering sending an inspection team to China to visit the tannery facilities to check compliance with GMP and HACCP.

Importers are advised to source their pig skin leather requirements from ASF free countries.