Mexico                                   

Mexico                                                                                         

Wood Packing Material  Will Be Inspected
But Stamp Requirement Postponed Until February

USMEF learned today that Mexico is postponing full implementation of the new wood packing rules until Feb. 1, 2006. Today’s Diario Oficial says that if product arrives in Mexico with wood packing material (for instance, wood pallets) without the new stamp, it will be visually inspected and allowed in if no infestation is observed. If pests are seen, Mexican authorities will either subject the shipment to treatment, insist the shipper discard the wooden packing material and replace it with pest-free material or order the shipment returned to the United States.

After Feb. 1, wood packing material must be heat treated or fumigated in accordance with a new standard (ISPM 15) decided in an international agreement signed by both Mexico and the United States and many other countries. After treatment, the wood packing material must be marked with the approved stamp. The stamp may be seen on page 8 of the American Lumber Standards Committee regulations. Full details of the requirements can be read online.

Chile                                                                                             

Chile Removes Trichinae-Detection Program Requirement

Chile will now accept fresh and frozen pork that has been trichinae-treated, according to Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regulations. Prior to this, fresh and frozen pork had to originate from hogs subjected to a trichinae-detection program at the time of slaughter. See the FSIS Export Library of Requirements for details.

Mexico                                                                                         

Wood Packing Material  Will Be Inspected
But Stamp Requirement Postponed Until February

USMEF learned today that Mexico is postponing full implementation of the new wood packing rules until Feb. 1, 2006. Today’s Diario Oficial says that if product arrives in Mexico with wood packing material (for instance, wood pallets) without the new stamp, it will be visually inspected and allowed in if no infestation is observed. If pests are seen, Mexican authorities will either subject the shipment to treatment, insist the shipper discard the wooden packing material and replace it with pest-free material or order the shipment returned to the United States.

After Feb. 1, wood packing material must be heat treated or fumigated in accordance with a new standard (ISPM 15) decided in an international agreement signed by both Mexico and the United States and many other countries. After treatment, the wood packing material must be marked with the approved stamp. The stamp may be seen on page 8 of the American Lumber Standards Committee regulations. Full details of the requirements can be read online.

Chile                                                                                             

Chile Removes Trichinae-Detection Program Requirement

Chile will now accept fresh and frozen pork that has been trichinae-treated, according to Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regulations. Prior to this, fresh and frozen pork had to originate from hogs subjected to a trichinae-detection program at the time of slaughter. See the FSIS Export Library of Requirements for details.