On 27 May 2022, the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a consultation document to revise procedures and guidelines for administrative licensing of food and cosmetics.  The main contents are as follows:
 
(1) Scope.  All processed foods, food supplements, raw materials, food ingredients, cosmetics, excluding tobacco products, bottled water and salt;  Those engaged as food/cosmetics importers, exporters, manufacturers, sales, and advertising business;  

(2) Objectives.  Update and change the License to Operate (LTO) application system to simplify procedures;  Determine the documentation requirements for pre-application and technical requirements for inspection;  

(3) Definition of terms.  importers, exporters, distributors, etc.;  

(4) General criteria.  Enterprises engaged in import and export, production and other businesses must first obtain License to Operate (LTO) and other qualifications issued by the Food and Drug Administration;  FDA inspection requirements for enterprises;  Food enterprises should comply with the general criteria of food hygiene, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), Sanitation Standard Operation Procedure (SSOP) related regulatory requirements;  

(5) Specific criteria.  To apply for License to Operate (LTO), fill in application form and letter of commitment, relevant qualification certificate, system documents, management plan and other documents;  Changes and other requirements;  Application process;  Specific requirements for on-site review and inspection;  

(6) Punishment requirements for violations.  

The deadline for comments is June 2, 2022.