Food exporters can secure export certificates or commodity clearancefrom the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in one day and free ofcharge.
Ester Pastolero, Health Education and Promotion Officer III at FDAPolicy and Planning Service said 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 applicationswithin the day. So after the processing, the certificate or clearanceis released immediately in our releasing unit. Members of the Food andDrug Action Center are the ones getting it to bring to our releasingsection,” she said in mixed English and Filipino in a webinar.
Pastolero said prior to processing, the agency reviews theapplications for completeness and correctness.
She thus advised food exporters to ensure that information containedin the submitted application form conforms with documentaryrequirements like valid license to operate (LTO) and certificate ofproduct registration (CPR).
“Once we review your application and find it acceptable, we send anemail response to the applicant company together with the referencenumber,” she said.
“Now, what if it does not pass our assessment or review? We still sendemail responses telling you that your application is denied based onthe following reasons. So we would suggest you send another emailrequest together with the complete requirements,” she added.
Pastolero said requirements include scanned copies of applicationform, valid LTO, valid CPR, and signed packing list or sales invoice;and excel copies of filled template/s of the draftcertificate/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 anemail request to cslexport@fda.gov.ph together with the attached softcopies of the requirements,” she added.
Pastolero also reminded companies that applications are received from8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays to Fridays except holidays. Applicationsreceived after 2 p.m. shall be treated as submitted on the nextworking day.
“Why do we have a cut off? Because we want to ensure that we complywith our commitment to you. If we cut off by 2 p.m., we areguaranteeing 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 localprocessors to survive, especially now that there is a pandemic,” sheadded.
Commodity clearance is used to prove that the export product is freelysold in the country and safe for human consumption.
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