By Alithea De Jesus
Photo file of Filipino food manufacturers and exporters in the country’s biggest food exhibit iFEX 2019 held at SMX Convention Center
Good news for Filipino food exporters as they can secure export certificates or commodity clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in one day and free of charge.
According to Ester Pastolero, Health Education and Promotion Officer III at FDA Policy and Planning Service, the Common Services Laboratory is processing the applications in accordance with the agency’s commitment to the Republic Act No. 11032, otherwise known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.
“In the laboratory, we are committing to process new applications within the day. So after the processing, the certificate or clearance is released immediately in our releasing unit. Members of the Food and Drug Action Center are the ones getting it to bring to our releasing section,” she said in a webinar.
Pastolero said prior to processing, the agency reviews the applications for completeness and correctness.
She thus advised food exporters to ensure that information contained in the submitted application form conforms with documentary requirements like valid license to operate (LTO) and certificate of product registration (CPR).
“Once we review your application and find it acceptable, we send an email response to the applicant company together with the reference number,” she said.
“Now, what if it does not pass our assessment or review? We still send email responses telling you that your application is denied based on the following reasons. So we would suggest you send another email request together with the complete requirements,” she added.
Pastolero noted that the requirements include scanned copies of the application form, valid LTO, valid CPR, and signed packing list or sales invoice; and excel copies of filled template/s of the draft certificate/clearance, and database.
She said the application form, draft template of the certificate, anddatabase can be downloaded at the FDA website.
“Accomplish the application form, draft template and excel database.
Collate other documentary requirements. And then you have to submit an email request to cslexport@fda.gov.ph together with the attached soft copies of the requirements,” she added.
Pastolero also reminded companies that applications are received from8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays to Fridays except on holidays. Applications received after 2 p.m. shall be treated as submitted on the next working day.
“Why do we have a cut-off? Because we want to ensure that we comply with our commitment to you. If we cut off by 2 p.m., we are guaranteeing you that we can release it after 2 p.m.,” she said.
Pastolero further said the FDA does not charge a fee for applicationfor export certificates or commodity clearance.
“This is our way of supporting the local manufactures, the local processors to survive, especially now that there is a pandemic,” she added.
Commodity clearance is used to prove that the export product is freely sold in the country and safe for human consumption.