German pork import ban lifted after ASF regionalization deal

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it lifted its temporary ban on imports of swine products from Germany following a bilateral agreement recognizing regionalization measures for African Swine Fever (ASF).

In Department Circular No. 18, the DA said it now recognizes Germany’s regionalization approach for ASF, allowing the resumption of imports of pork and related by-products from designated disease-free zones. 

The Philippines imposed a ban in 2020 to prevent the entry of ASF through imports of live pigs and pork products from Germany, one of Europe’s largest hog producers.

According to the circular, the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry found that Germany maintains “sufficient veterinary oversight” and has implemented control and mitigation measures that reduce the risk of ASF transmission from identified regions.

The DA said the decision was based on compliance with Administrative Circular No. 12, Series of 2025, which sets guidelines for bilateral recognition of regionalization for ASF among accredited exporting countries. 

Under ASF regionalization rules, live swine must come from ASF-free zones, show no clinical signs of infection, and avoid restricted areas during transport.

Pork products must also originate from ASF-free regions, be transported in sealed vehicles directly to approved slaughterhouses, and pass both ante- and post-mortem inspections.

Exporting countries’ veterinary authorities must also provide detailed reports on ASF surveillance, control measures, and boundaries of ASF-free regions. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel