Market
Fish meal (HS 230120) in the Philippines functions primarily as a feed ingredient market linked to animal feed and aquaculture feed demand. In 2022, the Philippines reported imports of USD 38.15 million (33,962,400 kg) and exports of USD 9.03 million (6,206,030 kg) for HS 230120, indicating a net-import position. Importation of animal feeds and feed ingredients requires a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) under the Department of Agriculture’s regulatory system, administered through agencies such as the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Department Circular No. 14, series of 2025 (DC 14) introduced stricter measures, including expanded grounds for suspending SPSICs, increasing compliance risk for importers of regulated products including feed and feed ingredients.
Market RoleNet importer (with some exports)
Domestic RoleB2B feed ingredient used by feed and aquafeed manufacturers supporting aquaculture production
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFish meal imports used as feed ingredients are subject to DA import controls requiring an SPS Import Clearance (SPSIC); SPSIC denial or suspension under updated DA rules can block entry, trigger holds, or force re-export/return-to-origin outcomes for shipments.Confirm importer accreditation status, secure SPSIC before shipment, and run a pre-shipment compliance check aligned to DA/BAI terms (including DC 14-related suspension triggers).
Regulatory Change MediumRecent DA rule updates (DC 14, series of 2025) increased strictness and expanded grounds for SPSIC suspension, which can create operational uncertainty for routine feed-ingredient imports.Track DA issuances and BAI import terms updates; maintain contingency supplier options and buffer stock for critical feed formulations.
Price Volatility MediumImported fish meal prices can be exposed to global fishmeal supply swings (e.g., anchoveta catch variability and El Niño-linked impacts) that influence availability and cost for import-dependent markets like the Philippines.Use forward purchasing where feasible, diversify origins, and qualify alternative protein meals to reduce formulation risk.
Supply MediumDomestic availability of fish-based inputs can be affected by fisheries management measures such as closed seasons for small pelagic species in key areas, potentially tightening local supply and increasing reliance on imports during closure periods.Plan procurement around known closure windows and confirm supplier inventory/production schedules ahead of seasonal restrictions.
Sustainability- Small pelagic fisheries management and seasonal closures (e.g., BFAR sardine closed season measures in key areas) affecting reduction-fish and byproduct availability context
- IUU fishing compliance and enforcement emphasis in Philippine fisheries governance
FAQ
Is the Philippines a net importer or net exporter of fish meal?The Philippines is a net importer based on UN Comtrade data via WITS: in 2022 it imported about USD 38.15 million of HS 230120 and exported about USD 9.03 million.
What is the key DA permit/clearance required to import fish meal as a feed ingredient into the Philippines?Imports of animal feeds and feed ingredients require a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) under the DA system referenced by WTO import licensing information for the Philippines.
What recent regulatory change increases import compliance risk for feed and feed ingredient shipments?Department Circular No. 14 (series of 2025) introduced stricter import rules and expanded grounds for suspending SPS import clearances (SPSIC), as summarized in a USDA FAS GAIN report.