Sanitation is as critical as any other aspects of business operations, potentially impacting everything from employee health to customer satisfaction. For business establishments that operate under food service, healthcare, and manufacturing, keeping the workplace and all other things clean and sanitary is not just about following certain rules — but it is also about ensuring that everyone stays safe and healthy.
Proper and regular sanitation helps prevent the spread of diseases and many forms of contamination, which can save the business from costly problems and reputational damages. It thus maintains a safe workplace, healthy manpower, satisfied customers, and a thriving business. It also meets the regulatory requirements of doing business, particularly at the LGU level.
In this article, we’ll cover the most important aspects of a sanitary permit and guide you through the application and renewal processes, requirements, and fees. Read on and get in touch with us if you need further information or assistance in processing your business establishment’s sanitary permit.
Sanitary Permit
A Sanitary Permit to Operate, or simply Sanitary Permit, is a mandatory permit or license issued by the local government unit (LGU) through its City or Municipal Health and Sanitation Department to certify that the for-registration business establishment complies with the existing minimum sanitation requirements upon evaluation or inspection by a health officer or sanitary engineer in accordance with the Sanitation Code and local ordinances.
The Presidential Decree No. 856, also known as “The Code on Sanitation of the Philippines,” is a landmark decree in the history of the country’s health and sanitation efforts. It consolidated, updated, and codified the disparate laws and regulations to ensure that they could keep up with modern standards of sanitation and provide a handy reference and guide for their enforcement.
Importance of a Sanitary Permit
Obtaining a sanitary permit is crucial not just for compliance with local government regulations and ordinances but also for building the trust of the customers. The actual permit affirms that the establishment and its operations have undergone inspections by the authorities and thus adhere to the minimum health and sanitation standards and ensure the prevention of food-borne and hygiene-related illnesses.
Particularly for food establishments, the DOH Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Sanitation Code emphasizes that “no person or entity shall operate a food establishment for public patronage without securing a sanitary permit.”
Business Establishments That Require Sanitary Permits
City and municipal governments usually categorize business establishments that require sanitary permits. Specific requirements may also vary per establishment. Included in the categories are food establishments, laundry shops, therapeutic clinics, markets and supermarkets, medical clinics, funeral parlors, recreation centers, parlors and salons, and other industrial establishments.
How to Apply for a Sanitary Permit
The application for a sanitary permit is filed with the Health and Sanitation Office of the city or municipality having jurisdiction over the business establishment. Each local government unit (LGU) has its own regulations concerning the acquisition of a Sanitary Permit to Operate. While some LGUs may only require a business permit, others might impose additional or more comprehensive requirements.
Documentary Requirements
As previously mentioned, the requirements for obtaining a sanitary permit vary between different establishments. For first-time applicants, the typical requirements include a Mayor’s Permit or Business Permit, Tax Order of Payment, official receipts, a Certificate of Water Potability, a Contract for Pest Control from an Accredited Pest Control Operator, Employee Health Certificates, and any specific clearances and certificates required by both public and private offices. These constitute the basic process for obtaining a sanitary permit, which may or may not apply to your business.
Submissions generally need to be made in person at the office where the business is located. However, some local government units (LGUs) may now offer online application options for sanitary permits. We will ascertain which LGUs provide online application options by reviewing the information available on their website. Please ensure to read the details carefully.
In Makati City, all current establishments that are in the process of meeting the sanitary requirements and have been issued a permit will be deemed to have a Temporary or Provisional Sanitary Permit. This status will remain in effect until all required conditions are fulfilled and a thorough inspection and evaluation of the establishment have been completed for the issuance of a Permanent/Complied Sanitary Permit.
For further requirements and procedures, specifically for establishments in Makati City, you may check their website.
In Quezon City, their Health Department is now implementing an online application system for Health Certificates and Sanitary Permits. For Non-Food, the requirements generally include the Mayor’s Permit or Business Permit, the Tax Order of Payment, official receipts, and Health Certificates for employees issued by the Quezon City Health Department. For food, here are the following requirements:
- Business Permit (Current Year)
- Business Permit Official Receipt (Current Year)
- Health Certificates
- Health Occupancy Permit Receipt (for New Applicants and Newly Renovated Establishments)
- Microbiological Water Analysis (Monthly) from DOH-Accredited Laboratory
- Pest Control Service Report (Monthly)
- Physico-Chemical Analysis (Once a Year)
As observed, all LGUs require Health Certificates for employees, which must typically be processed in person by the employees. Alternatively, the employer may process these certificates on behalf of the employees with an authorization letter. Requirements may vary by city or province, and there may be additional differences based on the nature of the business. However, the following are the general items typically required for obtaining a Health Certificate for employees:
- Cedula
- NBI Clearance
- X-Ray Result (6 months validity) – for Non-Food Handlers
- Fecalysis result (1 month validity) – for Food Handlers
- Occupational/Work permit
- Recent 1×1 Pictures
- Health Certificate Fees and Seminar Fees
- Authorization Letter
Additionally, Makati City and Quezon City offer online applications for obtaining Health Certificates. You may access these services using the following links:
- Makati City: https://makati.healthcert.ph/employee/login
- Quezon City: https://qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph/
Application Process
After securing the Mayor’s Permit or Business Permit and paying for the Business Tax assessment, the application for a sanitary permit may already be processed with the City or Municipal Health Office.
Different LGUs have different processes being followed. In Pasig City, for example, applicants simply submit their documentary requirements and mandatorily watch a film about sanitation and the environment while waiting for the processing of the permit.
Sanitary Permit Fees
Sanitary permit fees differ depending on the local government unit (LGU) and the type of business. Most city and municipal governments collect fees for the health certificates, seminar or orientation, inspection, and validation of health certificates. Additionally, fees may apply if medical examinations were not performed by their accredited clinics or physicians.
Sanitary Inspection
Most LGUs issue sanitary permits after their inspection of the establishment. If there are violations or lack of requirements found during the inspection, the business owner will be given a grace period to resolve them and comply with the regulations and ordinances on sanitation.
Processing Timeline
The sanitary permit may be processed and claimed in one day, i.e., if sanitary inspection is also conducted on the same day. Some LGUs, however, will be scheduled for an initial inspection to evaluate compliance with sanitation standards. If the requirements are complete, the process will proceed smoothly and within a shorter time frame.
Permit Validity
The issued sanitary permit comes with a one (1) year validity, expiring on the last day of December (i.e., December 31) and must be renewed every year.
How to Renew a Sanitary Permit
Most LGUs conduct regular inspections on all business establishments within their jurisdiction, i.e., normally before December or expiration of the issued sanitary permits.
There are establishments that are for inspections every three (3) or six (6) months. Public market stalls, in particular, are normally inspected for sanitation almost every week. Their findings serve as the basis for the renewal of permits and the possible imposition of fines and penalties on violators.
The renewal of a sanitary permit is usually processed between January 1 to January 20, as part of the Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit renewal. The same is true with the initial application, the renewal is filed with the City or Municipal Health and Sanitation Office.
Depending on the processes followed by the LGU, the sanitary permit renewal may be processed prior to or after the issuance of the updated business permit. Based on the latest data gathered from the LGUs within Metro Manila, the following are the general requirements for the renewal of the permit:
- Previous Sanitary Permit (for all LGUs)
- Latest Pest Control Certificate (for Makati)
- Latest Water Potability Certificate (for Makati & Muntinlupa)
- Latest Medical Tests (X-Ray, Urinalysis, and Stool) of Employees (for Quezon City, Makati, Muntinlupa, Pasig, and Mandaluyong)
- Latest Employee Health Certificates (for Quezon City, Makati, Muntinlupa, Pasig, and Mandaluyong)
While there can be no expected sanitary inspections during or immediately after the permit renewal, it is crucial for business establishments to put the health and safety of their clients and employees on the priority list by ensuring that all aspects of the operations are compliant with the highest health and sanitation standards.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Business establishments that operate without sanitary permits and do not comply with the Sanitation Code and local ordinances are at risk of getting fined and penalized. Repeated violations may also lead to revocation of business permits and permanent closure of operations.
Sanitary Permit – Related Case Studies
To better understand the importance of securing and renewing sanitary permits and of full compliance with the Sanitation Code and local ordinances, read these case studies based on our clients’ experiences:
Case 1: Failure to Apply for a Sanitary Permit
Businesses found operating without the required sanitary permit may be subject to substantial fines and penalties imposed.
Case 2: Late Renewal of Sanitary Permit
One client failed to comply with securing the health certificates of the employees. The Sanitary Department had given the company an extension period but still failed to comply due to lack of requirements.
As the commissioned service provider, we coordinated with the team assigned and had them complete the employees health certificates. We also submitted a request letter for extension to the Sanitary Department
Late renewal of a sanitary permit may incur penalties, which are determined based on the type of business and whether it is a first or second offense. In Makati City, late renewals typically do not incur fines if an extension is granted; however, a formal letter requesting an extension must be submitted.
Failure to comply with the requirements during the extension period usually results in fines. In addition, A FINAL NOTICE will be stamped on the Sanitary Permit. If the required documents are not submitted within the allowed time, the Sanitary Permit will be automatically suspended.
Case 3: Failure to Display the Sanitary Permit
The sanitary permit must be displayed in a conspicuous location within the office or establishment at all times. In accordance with Ordinance No. 312, Series of 2005 Chapter XVII, in Mandaluyong City, failure to comply with this requirement will result in the denial of the requisite Sanitary Permit to Operate. Furthermore, the establishment will be subject to closure and fined Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00).
Case 4: Failure to Secure Employees’ Health Certificates
In Mandaluyong City, as stipulated by Ordinance No. 312, Series of 2005, Section 14, all employees of food establishments, manufacturers, and both public and private markets — regardless of whether they handle food — are required to obtain a Health Certificate from the City Health Office.
This certificate must be renewed every six months following a health examination of the employees. Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in penalties: PHP 500 for a first offense, PHP 2,000 for a second offense, and PHP 5,000 for a third offense.
In conclusion, sanitary permits, like other business permits and licenses, are not mandated just to make life and business difficult for entrepreneurs. On one hand, they legitimize and protect those who engage in business in whatever capacity, and on the other, they safeguard the rights and welfare of consumers.
… and you might just need our assistance.
FilePino is a one-stop-shop business consulting firm trusted by thousands of clients for their business formation and post-formation needs. We offer complete packages of business registration and business permit renewal services (i.e., including sanitary permits). With its sister companies and brands, we guarantee fast, efficient, and seamless fulfillment of your business service needs.
Ready to apply for or renew your sanitary permit? Set up a consultation with FilePino today! Call us at (02) 8478-5826 (landline) and 0917 892 2337 (mobile) or send an email to info@filepino.com.