MANILA — The inclusion of Sardinella lemuru (tamban) in the Codex international food safety standards is expected to boost Philippine marine exports, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Approved during the 47th Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) session, this move ensures compliance with global food safety standards, benefiting the local sardine industry.

In 2022, sardines were the Philippines’ seventh-largest fish export, with 2.7% of the total 282,674 metric tons exported. The country shipped 9,154.31 metric tons of sardines in 2024, valued at USD 19.5 million.

The Philippine Sardine Industry at a Glance

Sardinella lemuru is the main species used for canned sardines, a vital protein source for Filipinos. The Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines (CSAP) reports that canned sardines reached 89.6% of households in 2020.

The sardine industry supports at least 2.19 million fisherfolk and employs over 57,000 workers. Region IX produces 63% of the country’s tamban, with an average annual catch growth of 3.88% over the past decade.

Retail sales of canned sardines increased from 189,000 to 227,300 tonnes annually from 2019 to 2022, per Euromonitor. The estimated annual demand is 186,000 metric tons, while local canneries produce about 130,835 metric tons.

The country’s six major sardine fishing grounds, including the Visayan Sea and Moro Gulf, provide abundant resources for the industry.

Impact of Codex Inclusion

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. called the Codex approval a “major win” for the fishery industry, expected to attract investments and create jobs.

Previously, Philippine sardines faced trade barriers in the EU due to tamban’s non-inclusion in Codex standards. The government, through BFAR and NFRDI, pushed for its recognition starting in 2018, with technical studies funded by P17 million from BFAR.

After six years of advocacy, the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products approved tamban’s inclusion in 2024, affirming its quality and sustainability.

“We thank the European Union for supporting this effort, which will significantly benefit our fisheries and the sardine industry,” the DA stated.

With Codex recognition, Philippine sardines are expected to gain broader global market access, securing the livelihoods of local fisherfolk and exporters.

Source: Board of Investments
📷 Department of Agriculture