Regulatory oversight over animal health and local dairy products in the Philippines has shifted to the Department of Agriculture (DA) after the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act took effect on October 28, 2025.
The law mandates the transfer of oversight from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the National Dairy Authority (NDA).
BAI takes charge of veterinary oversight
The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) now holds exclusive jurisdiction over veterinary drugs, biologics, vaccines, and related animal health products. Its authority extends to livestock, poultry, dairy, and companion animals.
Covered establishments include manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of veterinary products. The BAI now manages licensing, product registration, inspections, surveillance, enforcement, and post-market monitoring.
The BAI also oversees:
- ✅ All veterinary drugs, products, and biologics;
- ✅ Active pharmaceutical ingredients and raw materials for veterinary use; and
- ✅ Veterinary grooming products, diagnostic kits, reagents, and medical devices
Revalidation and compliance with post-approval commitments attached to FDA authorizations, such as Certificates of Product Registration, must be submitted directly to the BAI. Failure to comply will result in appropriate regulatory actions.
NDA strengthens dairy industry regulation
The National Dairy Authority (NDA) assumes responsibility for local dairy products and activities. It serves as the certifying agency for the dairy industry chain, regulating micro, small, medium, and commercial dairy processing plants.
Products under NDA oversight include:
- ✅ Condensed milk, milk powder, and cream;
- ✅ Dairy-based drinks, fermented milks, and renneted milk;
- ✅ Creams, cheeses, whey products, and butter;
- ✅ Dairy-based desserts, frozen products, and fat spreads; and
- ✅ Specialized dairy foods for children, pregnant women, or medical purposes
Transition deadlines and compliance
The law sets clear statutory deadlines:
- ✅ Transfer of veterinary product regulation to DA-BAI must be completed within 180 days, by 26 April 2026.
- ✅ Harmonization of milk and dairy standards into a Code of Dairy Regulations must be finalized within 150 days, by 27 March 2026.
Pending FDA applications without payment will no longer be accepted.
What’s up next for stakeholders
Affected establishments must comply with DA-BAI and NDA regulations. Market authorization holders are urged to monitor updates and attend consultations during the transition. The advisory clarifies jurisdictional boundaries while preserving the statutory mandates of the FDA and DA agencies.