Canned Tuna Supplier
for the Philippines
Top Tide Canning is a Thailand-based B2B canned tuna manufacturer supplying Philippine importers, supermarket chains, and e-commerce operators. We produce FSSC 22000-certified skipjack, yellowfin, and albacore tuna for SM Supermarket, Robinsons, Puregold, and Lazada Philippines — CIF Manila North Harbour and Cebu Port with full FDA CPR documentation, BFAR clearance, and ASEAN FTA 0% tariff via Form D.
Philippines: 115 Million Consumers, One of Asia Highest Tuna Markets — FDA CPR, BFAR, ASEAN FTA 0%
The Philippines is one of Asia most important canned tuna markets by volume — tuna is a staple across all income levels. FDA CPR is required for retail import, BFAR clearance for fish products, and ASEAN FTA delivers 0% tariff for Thailand-origin tuna with Form D. SM Supermarket, Robinsons, Puregold, and Lazada Philippines are the primary buyer channels.
Three Supermarket Groups Cover 1,500+ Stores Across the Philippine Archipelago
Philippine grocery retail is dominated by SM Supermarket (SM Group, 60+ SM Supermarket and 200+ SaveMore stores), Robinsons Supermarket (Gokongwei Group, 200+ stores), and Puregold Price Club (500+ stores, value format). Together they cover Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao. All three are active buyers of imported canned tuna for both branded and private label programmes.
- SM Supermarket / SaveMore — SM Group
- Robinsons Supermarket — Gokongwei
- Puregold Price Club — 500+ stores
- Waltermart / Landmark regional
Thailand-Origin Tuna Enters the Philippines at 0% Under ASEAN Free Trade Agreement
Thailand-origin canned tuna benefits from a 0% import tariff under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) when accompanied by a Form D Certificate of Origin issued by Thai Department of Foreign Trade. Without Form D, the Philippines MFN tariff on canned tuna (HS 1604.14) is approximately 5–7%. The 0% ASEAN FTA rate provides a direct landed cost advantage over non-ASEAN suppliers.
- ASEAN FTA (AFTA) — 0% tariff
- Form D Certificate of Origin required
- MFN rate ~5–7% without Form D
- 12% VAT applies at domestic sale
Philippine FDA CPR Required — One of Asia Highest Per-Capita Canned Tuna Markets
The Philippines is one of Asia highest per-capita canned tuna consuming markets — ligo (canned sardines and tuna) is a staple pantry item across all income segments. Philippine FDA requires a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) for all imported food sold at retail. BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) import clearance is required for fish products. English-language labels are mandatory with FDA CPR number on-pack.
- FDA CPR required for retail import
- BFAR import clearance required
- High per-capita tuna consumption
- English-language label mandatory
Six Philippines Compliance Requirements — FDA CPR, BFAR Clearance, FDA Label, ASEAN FTA Form D, FSSC 22000, and Dolphin-Safe IMMP+EII
Philippine food import compliance is governed by FDA (CPR for retail products) and BFAR (fish import clearance). ASEAN FTA delivers 0% tariff with Form D. English-language label with CPR number on-pack is mandatory. FSSC 22000 is required by SM Supermarket and Robinsons.
All imported food products sold at retail in the Philippines require a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) issued by the Philippine FDA. The CPR must be held by the licensed Philippine importer/distributor. CPR application requires: product specification, label artwork compliant with FDA labelling rules (CPR number must appear on label), ISO 17025 CoA, FSSC 22000 certificate, and Thai MOPH health certificate. CPR processing takes 1–3 months for new products.
Top Tide Canning provides the full documentation package for FDA CPR application. The Philippine importer holds and applies for the CPR — not the overseas manufacturer.
BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) under the Department of Agriculture issues import clearance for all fish and fishery products entering the Philippines. BFAR clearance requires a valid FDA CPR, Thai MOPH health certificate, ISO 17025 CoA, and FSSC 22000 certificate. BFAR clearance must be obtained prior to customs release at Manila North Harbour or Cebu Port.
BFAR clearance obtained by the Philippine importer at port of entry. Top Tide Canning provides the Thai MOPH health certificate and CoA required for BFAR clearance with every shipment.
Philippine FDA regulations require an English-language label on all retail prepackaged food: product name, ingredient list, allergen declaration, nutrition facts per 100g or per serving, country of origin (Thailand), net weight in metric, best-before date, Philippine importer name and address, and the FDA CPR number. The CPR number must be printed or affixed to the label before retail sale.
Top Tide Canning provides label artwork with a placeholder for the FDA CPR number. The Philippine importer inserts the CPR number once registered. English-language label design and FDA pre-check included in our Philippines export service.
Thailand-origin canned tuna enters the Philippines at 0% import tariff under AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Agreement) when accompanied by a Form D Certificate of Origin issued by the Thai Department of Foreign Trade. Without Form D, the Philippines MFN tariff on canned tuna is approximately 5–7%. Top Tide Canning provides Form D as part of standard export documentation for all Philippines shipments.
Form D provided by Top Tide Canning. Confirm current AFTA rate for HS 1604.14 with Philippine customs broker. 12% domestic VAT applies at point of sale.
FSSC 22000 (GFSI-recognised) is required by SM Supermarket and Robinsons for supplier qualification. Puregold and regional chains accept HACCP as a minimum. Top Tide Canning holds a current FSSC 22000 certificate covering canned fish manufacturing — meeting the qualification threshold of all major Philippine retail buyers.
Full certificate and most recent third-party audit summary available on request for Philippine retailer qualification.
Dolphin-Safe IMMP and EII certification is increasingly required by SM Supermarket and Robinsons for imported canned tuna supplier approval. Philippine consumer NGO awareness of Dolphin-Safe is growing in the premium urban segment. Top Tide Canning holds both IMMP and EII certifications with batch-level vessel declaration documentation.
IMMP and EII certificates and batch-level vessel declarations available with each shipment on request.
Four Philippines Buyer Channels — SM Supermarket, Robinsons and Puregold, Lazada and Shopee E-Commerce, and Institutional Food Service
Philippine retail spans SM Supermarket and SaveMore, Robinsons and Puregold value supermarkets, Lazada and Shopee online grocery, and institutional food service including DepEd school feeding and Jollibee catering. Each channel requires FDA CPR, BFAR clearance, and FDA-compliant English labelling.
How to Import Canned Tuna into the Philippines — Six Steps from Factory to SM Supermarket and Puregold Shelf
Philippine import process requires FDA CPR (apply 1–3 months ahead), BFAR import clearance at port, and Form D for ASEAN FTA 0% tariff. Thailand to Manila transit is 5–8 days. BFAR clearance must be obtained before Bureau of Customs releases cargo.
| Origin | Agreement | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand (Form D) | ASEAN FTA (AFTA) | 0% — zero tariff with Form D |
| Non-ASEAN origin | Philippines MFN | ~5–7% |
| VAT | Philippine VAT Act | 12% domestic VAT at sale |
AFTA 0% rate confirmed for Thailand-origin tuna with valid Form D (Thai DFT issued). Current HS classification should be verified with a licensed Philippine customs broker.
Six Canned Tuna Formats for the Philippines — SM Supermarket Retail, Value Can, Lazada Multipack, DepEd Food Service, S&R Premium Albacore, and Halal Mindanao
From 155g SM Supermarket retail through Puregold 88g value cans, Lazada multipacks, DepEd school feeding A10 institutional, S&R premium albacore, and MUI Halal for Bangsamoro — each format matched to its Philippine channel. All formats FDA CPR documented, BFAR-cleared, ASEAN FTA 0% tariff, CIF Manila.
155g–185g Retail Can — SM Supermarket, Robinsons & Puregold
Philippine standard retail SKU. FDA-compliant English label with FDA CPR number, ingredient list, allergen declaration, nutrition facts per 100g, Thailand origin, Philippine importer address. GS1 Philippines barcode. FSSC 22000 and Dolphin-Safe IMMP certified. Pull-tab easy-open lid standard for all Philippine retail.
- 155g / 185g pull-tab tin
- FDA label with CPR number
- GS1 Philippines barcode
- FSSC 22000 + Dolphin-Safe IMMP
88g–100g Value Can — Puregold, Sari-Sari Store Supply & Talipapa
Small-format 88g–100g pull-tab tin for Puregold value channel, wholesale distributors supplying sari-sari (neighbourhood) stores, and wet market talipapa resellers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. FDA CPR required. English label. Skipjack in brine or vegetable oil — lowest price-per-gram format for value-conscious Philippine consumers.
- 88g–100g value can
- Puregold / sari-sari supply
- Skipjack in brine or vegetable oil
- FDA CPR required
155g × 6 Multipack — Lazada Philippines, Shopee & MetroMart
Six-can multipack (155g × 6) shrink-wrap tray for Lazada, Shopee, and MetroMart online grocery. FDA CPR number on each can and outer carton. Skipjack in brine, oil, or mixed variants. Dolphin-Safe IMMP. GS1 Philippines outer carton barcode. Designed for e-commerce fulfillment centre handling — consistent fill weight and shelf life.
- 155g × 6 online multipack
- Lazada / Shopee / MetroMart
- FDA CPR on each can + carton
- GS1 outer barcode
1.7kg A10 Institutional Can — DepEd School Feeding & Jollibee Catering
Standard A10 tin for Philippine food service: DepEd school feeding programme, Jollibee Foods Corporation catering supply, AFP and PNP institutional supply, hospital dietary departments, and hotel catering in Manila and Cebu. Skipjack or yellowfin in brine. 6 × 1.7kg outer carton. BFAR clearance, FSSC 22000, and ISO 17025 CoA standard. English carton label.
- 1.7kg A10 institutional can
- DepEd school feeding programme
- Jollibee catering supply
- AFP / PNP institutional
Solid Albacore in EVOO — Rustans, S&R, and Premium Online
Solid-pack albacore in extra-virgin olive oil for Rustans Supermarket, S&R Membership Shopping (Philippines Costco-format, 20+ clubs), and premium Lazada/Shopee listings. 120g–150g pull-tab tin with premium English label and sustainability messaging. Dolphin-Safe IMMP + EII certified. S&R requires FSSC 22000 and Dolphin-Safe as a condition of listing.
- 120g–150g solid albacore in EVOO
- Rustans / S&R Membership
- Premium FDA-compliant label
- Dolphin-Safe IMMP + EII
MUI Halal Certified — Bangsamoro, Mindanao & OFW Remittance Supply
MUI Halal-certified skipjack and yellowfin tuna for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Mindanao halal food distributors, and OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) remittance food supply chains to Middle East. Philippine Halal market is significant — IDCP (Islamic Development Council of the Philippines) halal certification coordination. MUI Halal recognised by IDCP.
- MUI Halal certified
- Bangsamoro / Mindanao distribution
- OFW Middle East remittance supply
- IDCP coordination available
Philippines Canned Tuna Import — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from Philippine importers, SM Supermarket and Robinsons buyers, Puregold procurement, Lazada and Shopee operators, and food service teams about FDA CPR, BFAR clearance, AFTA tariff, labelling, and Manila port logistics.
What is the FDA CPR and is it required for all canned tuna imports into the Philippines?
Yes — the FDA Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) is required for all imported food products sold at retail in the Philippines. The CPR must be held by the licensed Philippine importer/distributor (not the overseas manufacturer). CPR application requires: product specification, label artwork with CPR number placeholder, ISO 17025 CoA, FSSC 22000 or equivalent certificate, and Thai MOPH health certificate. Processing time is 1–3 months for new product registrations. The FDA CPR number must be printed or affixed on the retail label before sale.
What is BFAR and why is BFAR clearance required for canned tuna?
BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) under the Philippine Department of Agriculture is responsible for regulating fish and fishery product imports. BFAR import clearance is required at the port of entry for all fish products including canned tuna. Required documents: Thai MOPH health certificate, ISO 17025 CoA, FDA CPR (or pending CPR documentation), and FSSC 22000 certificate. BFAR clearance must be obtained before Bureau of Customs releases the cargo. Top Tide Canning provides all required documentation with every Philippines-bound shipment.
What is the import tariff on canned tuna from Thailand into the Philippines?
Thailand-origin canned tuna enters the Philippines at 0% import tariff under AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Agreement) with a valid Form D Certificate of Origin issued by the Thai Department of Foreign Trade. Without Form D, the Philippines MFN tariff on canned tuna (HS 1604.14) is approximately 5–7%. Top Tide Canning provides Form D as part of standard export documentation. Philippine domestic VAT of 12% applies at the point of sale.
What labelling is required for canned tuna sold in the Philippines?
Philippine FDA regulations require an English-language label on all retail prepackaged food: product name, ingredient list, allergen declaration, nutrition facts per 100g or per serving, country of origin (Thailand), net weight in metric, best-before date, Philippine importer name and address, and the FDA CPR number. The CPR number must appear on the label before retail sale. Top Tide Canning provides label artwork with a CPR number placeholder — the Philippine importer inserts the CPR number once registered.
How long does FDA CPR registration take?
FDA CPR processing typically takes 1–3 months for a new product registration. The CPR application is filed by the Philippine importer/distributor, not the overseas manufacturer. Top Tide Canning provides a complete documentation package for CPR application including product specification, ISO 17025 CoA, FSSC 22000 certificate, Thai MOPH health certificate, and label artwork. First shipments can be imported before CPR is issued if the importer has a valid FDA Import Permit covering the product category — confirm with your Philippine customs broker and FDA.
How do I qualify as a supplier to SM Supermarket or Robinsons?
SM Supermarket and Robinsons Supermarket supplier qualification typically requires: FDA CPR for the product, BFAR clearance documentation, FSSC 22000 certificate, Dolphin-Safe IMMP + EII, ISO 17025 CoA, and FDA-compliant English label with CPR number. Category managers for ambient grocery at both retailers conduct semi-annual reviews. Puregold accepts HACCP as a minimum standard. Top Tide Canning can support full qualification documentation through your Philippine-registered importer.
What is the minimum order quantity for the Philippines?
Minimum order is typically one 20ft container (approximately 20–22 MT net product). For SM Supermarket or Robinsons private label trials, smaller pilot volumes may be discussed. Please contact us for a CIF Manila North Harbour or Cebu Port quotation including FDA CPR documentation package, BFAR clearance docs, Form D (AFTA), FSSC 22000 certificate, and Dolphin-Safe IMMP + EII certificates.
Is the Philippines a good market for premium canned tuna?
The Philippines has a well-segmented canned tuna market. Mass-market skipjack in brine (88g–185g) drives volume through Puregold, SM SaveMore, and sari-sari store distribution. The premium segment — solid albacore in EVOO, MSC-certified, Dolphin-Safe premium branding — is growing at S&R Membership Shopping (20+ clubs), Rustans, and Metro premium. E-commerce channels (Lazada, Shopee) also enable direct access to premium urban consumers across Metro Manila and Cebu without traditional retail listing requirements.
Top Tide Canning Philippines Capabilities — FDA CPR, BFAR, SM Supermarket, Robinsons, Puregold, Lazada, DepEd Food Service, ASEAN FTA 0%
Every certification, document, and product format Philippine buyers need — FDA CPR documentation package, BFAR clearance docs, Form D AFTA 0%, SM and Robinsons qualification records, Lazada multipack, DepEd A10 food service, S&R premium albacore, and CIF Manila North Harbour or Cebu.
Explore Other Top Tide Canning Export Markets
Top Tide Canning supplies canned tuna across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Explore our dedicated market pages for country-specific regulatory, retail, and logistics information.
Request a Quote for the Philippines
Tell us your channel — SM Supermarket or Robinsons, Puregold value, Lazada or Shopee e-commerce, S&R premium, DepEd or Jollibee food service, or Mindanao Halal. We respond within one business day with CIF Manila pricing, FDA CPR documentation package, BFAR clearance docs, Form D AFTA 0% tariff, and Dolphin-Safe IMMP + EII certificates.
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