Combo Bin Inspection Changes Postponed

Combo Bin Inspection Changes Postponed; No New Date or Details Announced

Exporters shipping meat to Mexico in combo bins will not face changes in inspection procedures on Monday, April 20, as previously announced by the government of Mexico. USMEF has been notified that any changes in the procedures for inspecting combo bin contents have again been postponed. Further details are expected later this week, and will be shared as soon as they become available.

In December, Mexico announced its intention to ban all incoming meat shipments in combo containers effective January 15. Mexico later revised this policy change by only prohibiting the use of combo containers for frozen meat. Fresh and chilled meats shipped in combo containers are still being accepted in Mexico, but these shipments were scheduled to undergo a change in inspection procedures on April 20. Under the proposed change, products from the top, bottom and middle of each combo bin would require inspection. Based on this latest announcement, however, exporters should see no immediate changes in border inspection procedures for shipments utilizing combo bins.

USMEF continues to work with trade officials from the United States and Mexico to reach a workable, long-term solution to this issue.

“This postponement is welcome news, and it allows us more time to fully address this issue and find a solution that meets the needs of everyone involved,” explained Chad Russell, USMEF regional director for Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Combo Bin Inspection Changes Postponed; No New Date or Details Announced

Exporters shipping meat to Mexico in combo bins will not face changes in inspection procedures on Monday, April 20, as previously announced by the government of Mexico. USMEF has been notified that any changes in the procedures for inspecting combo bin contents have again been postponed. Further details are expected later this week, and will be shared as soon as they become available.

In December, Mexico announced its intention to ban all incoming meat shipments in combo containers effective January 15. Mexico later revised this policy change by only prohibiting the use of combo containers for frozen meat. Fresh and chilled meats shipped in combo containers are still being accepted in Mexico, but these shipments were scheduled to undergo a change in inspection procedures on April 20. Under the proposed change, products from the top, bottom and middle of each combo bin would require inspection. Based on this latest announcement, however, exporters should see no immediate changes in border inspection procedures for shipments utilizing combo bins.

USMEF continues to work with trade officials from the United States and Mexico to reach a workable, long-term solution to this issue.

“This postponement is welcome news, and it allows us more time to fully address this issue and find a solution that meets the needs of everyone involved,” explained Chad Russell, USMEF regional director for Mexico and the Dominican Republic.