By Jan Carlo Anolin
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has warned the public and Filipino travellers in South Korea not to bring animal products as enforced by its government there.
Department of Foreign Affairs (MANILA BULLETIN)
In its advisory on Wednesday, the DFA, through the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, said carrying of animal products such as meat -- whether raw, processed, or canned – eggs and poultry products, milk and dairy products, pet food and supplies to South Korea is restricted.
The agency also said the products must be reported or declared first at the quarantine office of the port of entry, as advised by the Korea Immigration Service-Ministry of Justice (KIS-MOJ) starting June 1 this year.
The ban was implemented to “prevent the spread of highly-infectious diseases, such as African swine fever, foot and mouth disease, and highly pathogenic avian influenza, under South Korea’s Contagious Animal Diseases Prevention Act.”
Failure to report of carrying animal products at airports and seaports would face a fine of up to KRW 10,000,000 or P428,571.04, while failure to pay the fine may result in prohibition from entering Korea or denial of visa extension.
“All Filipinos entering South Korea as visitors, workers, or residents are advised to refrain from bringing restricted items in their hand carried or checked-in luggage,” the advisory read.
“All hand-carried and checked-in luggage of passengers are subjected to security screening at the airport terminals,” it added.