FDA relaxes rules to expedite release of ventilators, respirators from Customs

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has relaxed its rules to expedite the release of shipments containing respirators and ventilators that will be used in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.

In a March 23 letter to Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, FDA Director General Rolando Domingo said commercial importers of ventilators, respirators and their respective accessories will only have to present copies of their license to operate.

Foreign donations of these essential medical equipment do not need FDA clearance prior customs release, Domingo said.

“We hope that the measures being introduced would expedite the customs release of ventilators, respirators and their accessories which are vital in responding to the threat of COVID-19,” Domingo said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., who posted the letter on Twitter on Thursday, lauded the FDA’s move.

“No more FDA approval needed. No more excuses to delay release from Customs. Thank you all,” Locsin said.

No more FDA approval needed. No more excuses to delay release from Customs. Thank you all. pic.twitter.com/qonOjUMASV

— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) March 26, 2020

The FDA earlier issued the same guidelines for commercial imports and foreign donations of personal protective equipment such as face masks,  including N95 masks, shoe covers, gloves, head covers and gowns.   — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News