The Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the National Dairy Authority (NDA) have issued a joint advisory detailing the transfer of key regulatory functions from the Food and Drug Administration (FTA) following the enactment of Republic Act No. 12308, or the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act.
The joint advisory was issued by Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Constante Palabrica and Food and Drug Administration Director General Atty. Paolo Teston.
The advisory explains that the new law shifts jurisdiction over veterinary drugs, veterinary products and biologics and other animal health products and devices from the FDA to BAI. It likewise grants the NDA full regulatory authority over the country’s dairy industry, including testing and accreditation of local dairy activities and products from primary production to post-market distribution.
The advisory aimed to ensure that regulatory services remain uninterrupted throughout the transition. Applications filed with the FDA before 28 October 2025 will continue to be evaluated by the agency, although any that remain pending by April 25, 2026 will be transferred to BAI or NDA for final action.
Meanwhile, applications submitted after October 28, 2025 will be received directly by the appropriate DA agency. All permits issued by the FDA will stay valid until their respective expiration dates and the current schedule of fees will remain in effect until the BAI or NDA revises it after conducting a required public consultation.
Officials emphasized that the transition is intended to streamline processes, strengthen oversight of animal health and production and enhance competitiveness across the livestock and dairy sectors.
