Philippines reopens market to Dutch poultry imports

The Philippines has reopened its market to poultry and poultry products from the Netherlands after recognizing a regionalized approach to managing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Department Circular No. 05, lifting the temporary ban and restoring market access for domestic and wild birds and related products. Covered items include poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen, provided they originate from certified disease-free zones.

The decision followed a technical review by the Bureau of Animal Industry, which evaluated the Netherlands’ veterinary controls and outbreak response measures. The agency found that Dutch authorities maintain adequate surveillance and biosecurity systems, reducing the risk of disease transmission.

Under the regionalization framework, trade restrictions apply only to affected areas instead of the entire country, as long as veterinary authorities can demonstrate strong containment and monitoring protocols.

Tiu Laurel said the move balances protection of the domestic poultry sector with the country’s trade commitments.

“Regionalization is a smart, science-driven safeguard that allows us to protect Philippine poultry while honoring our trade commitments,” Tiu Laurel said. “After rigorous evaluation, we are confident that the Netherlands’ veterinary controls and containment measures effectively mitigate the risks of HPAI from accredited zones.”

Imports will continue to follow existing DA rules and agreed conditions. The circular will take effect 15 days after publication on the agency’s official website and filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register.

The reopening restores access to a European supplier while maintaining targeted disease control measures at the border.