Jurisdiction over veterinary drugs, products, biologics, and animal health devices in the Philippines has shifted from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
This transition was announced in a joint advisory Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Constante Palabrica and FDA Director General Paolo Teston.
Shift in jurisdiction
The shift followed the enactment of the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act, passed on September 2025. The new law formalizes the transfer of regulatory functions to agencies of the Department of Agriculture.
It aims to streamline oversight, strengthen animal health regulation, and enhance competitiveness in Philippine livestock and poultry sectors.
Continuity of services
Regulatory services will remain uninterrupted during the transitions. To guide stakeholders, the advisory outlines several measures to ensure smooth handling of applications and permits:
- ✅ Applications filed before October 28, 2025 will continue to be processed by the FDA; those filed after will will be received directly by DA agencies.
- ✅ Pending applications after April 25, 2026 will be transferred to the BAI.
- ✅ FDA-issued permits will remain valid until expiration.
- ✅ Current fees stay until revised after public consultation.
Officials emphasize that the transition is designed to simplify processes, ensure continuity, and reinforce the country’s regulatory framework for animal health and production.
Role of the NDA
Meanwhile, the National Dairy Authority (NDA) now holds full regulatory authority over the Philippine dairy industry, covering testing, accreditation, and post-market distribution.
The expanded role complements reforms livestock and poultry, ensuring consistent oversight across all animal industry sectors.
These changes are expected to provide clearer regulation and more efficient processes for livestock, poultry, and dairy producers nationwide.
Welcome development
Industry stakeholders industries welcomed the move. Many have highlighted that stronger oversight by the BAI would improve biosecurity and disease management, reducing risks like avian influenza and African swine fever.
They also pointed out that the shift would shorten approval timelines for animal health products and reduce regulatory bottlenecks.