The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted its temporary ban on poultry imports from Japan, opening the doors once again for the entry of birds and poultry by-products from the East Asian country.

This move, formalized under Memorandum Order No. 36 signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., follows a declaration by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries that it is now free of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The declaration was validated by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), confirming that no new cases have been detected since 13 June 2025.

The lifting of the ban, which had been in effect since November 2024, is expected to bring relief to local poultry supply chains and offer greater sourcing flexibility for importers and retailers – particularly amid persistent global disruptions in food and agricultural commodities.

The DA chief said that the risk of bird flu contamination from imports originating in Japan is negligible.

The original ban covered a wide range of poultry products, including domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen. It was implemented as a preventive measure to protect the local poultry industry, a key component of the food security and job creation agenda.

While the trade restriction has now been lifted, importers must still comply with all existing sanitary and phytosanitary regulations and protocols set by the DA.

The order takes immediate effect and will remain valid unless amended or officially revoked. Industry stakeholders are hopeful the decision will help ease domestic supply pressures and moderate price volatility in the poultry market.