USDA - APHIS - Regulations and Assessments

International Animal Product Export Regulations

Notice

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these regulations for exporting animals or animal products to a foreign country, you should contact the APHIS-VS Area Office in the State from which the animals or products will be exported.

Animal Products to Mexico

The Area office issuing the health certificate for animal products being exported to Mexico must be provided sufficient information so that they may verify that the requirements of Mexico are met. Typically the exporter should be able to get a copy of the appropriate "HRZ" (import requirements sheet) from their importer. HRZ’s serve as guidance and should not be considered import permits. The HRZ may indicate that the shipment and documentation must comply with Article 89 of Mexico's Federal Animal Health Law. The provisions of Article 89 are currently under development. Certificates issued by APHIS VS Area offices should provide basic information on the health certificate, including lot numbers, species of origin, and general description of the product. The exporter is advised to determine from the government of Mexico (SENASICA's webpage or from a SENASICA office) if there are requirements in addition to the veterinary certification issues addressed by APHIS.

Mexico’s SENASICA requires certain traceability and production information for animal products presented for importation into Mexico (Article 89 and other provisions of the Federal Animal Health Law). Generally, the lot number should be listed on the official animal health certificate in the Product Identification block. Separately, a supplemental declaration from the manufacturing company can be used to provide the additional pertinent information required for the animal product being certified. Typical examples of required information are production date, packing or shipment date, and an expiry date. The manufacturer’s or exporter’s supplemental declaration must be cross referenced to the certificate, and must show the lot numbers as well as the name of the official, their position within the company (acceptable examples: owner, president, quality control manager) and signature. The original and a copy of the supplemental declaration are required at the time of presentation of the product. The above procedure does not apply for dairy products intended for human consumption and any addendum must be issued by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services.

Mexico's Border Inspection Service (DGIF) is not permitted to accept export certificates that contain any of the following: abbreviations, handwritten text, or any alterations such as cross outs, white outs, erasures, or initialed changes.

For the export of table eggs to Mexico, layer flocks must be qualified with respect to avian influenza through participation in either the National Poultry Improvement Plan, or in a testing program supervised by the VS Area office. Export certification is done by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, Office of Poultry Grading and Certification.

Certificates for poultry products that require certification pertaining to Newcastle disease should refer to “velogenic Newcastle disease” and not exotic Newcastle disease.

*ALERT* Important information regarding trade bans and other restrictions - December 2011 (pdf 9kb)

Animal fats for animal feeding or industrial uses - December 2011 (pdf 16kb)

Animal feeds and food: Balanced animal feeds (not including dogs and cats) - January 2013 (pdf 29kb)

Animal feeds and food: Balanced feeds containing porcine and poultry ingredients and intended for aquatic species - November 2012 (pdf 17kb)

Animal feeds and food: Balanced pet foods for dogs and cats - January 2013 (pdf 24kb)

Animal feeds and food: Dairy additives, supplements and complements containing poultry and porcine ingredients for animal feeding - April 2013 (pdf 23kb)

Animal feeds and food: Dairy products for animal feeding - December 2012 (pdf 18kb)

Animal feeds and food: Feed Additives with Aquatic Animal Ingredients for Animal Feeding - May 2012 (pdf 54kb)

Animal feeds and food: Fisheries Products (Meats and Pastes) for Animal Feeding - January 2013 (pdf 13kb)

Animal feeds and food: Pet Treats and Similar Products Not Containing Animal Product Ingredients - September 2012 (pdf 101kb)

Animal feeds and food: Processed pet treats (dogs and cats) containing animal origin products - January 2013 (pdf 20kb)

Animal feeds and food: Rendered Meals - June 2012 (pdf 32kb)