• The Codex Alimentarius Commission officially recognized Sardinella lemuru (Bali sardinella or tamban) under the Codex Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products
• This recognition eliminates trade barriers and expands Philippine sardine exports, particularly to Europe
• The misidentification of Sardinella lemuru has previously led to EU rejections of canned sardine shipments in 2016-2017
• Research initiated in 2013 confirmed the species’ distinct classification, prompting the Philippines to seek its inclusion in Codex standards in 2020
The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) officially recognized Sardinella lemuru (Bali sardinella or tamban), resolving long-standing Philippine export challenges, particularly in European markets, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said in a statement.
Announced by the National Codex Organization (NCO) of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health Food and Drug Administration, the inclusion under the Codex Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (CXS 94-1981) was finalized during the 47th CAC Session held from November 25 to 30, 2024.
The recognition eliminates trade barriers, enhances market access, and reinforces the Philippines’ competitiveness in the global seafood market, DA said.
The issue of misidentifying Sardinella lemuru as a different sardine species had plagued the industry for years. In 2016 and 2017, the European Union (EU) rejected shipments of Philippine canned sardines because Sardinella lemuru was not listed in its approved product standards. The EU’s strict regulations on sardine species resulted in lost export opportunities and restricted the Philippines’ access to key markets.
To address these challenges, the DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) spearheaded research initiatives to secure Codex recognition for Sardinella lemuru. In 2020, the Philippines formally submitted a proposal to the Codex Secretariat. The Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP) was reactivated, with Norway recommending the Philippines to lead the Electronic Working Group responsible for scientific validation. The proposal received widespread international support and underwent rigorous technical and sensory evaluation.
Following years of research and assessment, the amendment was adopted on November 27, 2024, officially adding Sardinella lemuru to Section 2.1 of CXS 94-1981. The Codex inclusion now ensures that Philippine sardine products meet international standards, securing compliance with EU import regulations and expanding export markets.
“The addition of Sardinella lemuru in the Codex Standard highlights the Philippines’ commitment to innovation, quality, and global competitiveness. This significant move strengthens the country’s reputation as a trusted supplier of premium sardine products, solidifying its role as a key player in the international seafood market,” the agriculture department said in a statement.
