More Answers Sought Regarding Mexico’s Proposed Packaging Changes

More Answers Sought Regarding Mexico’s Proposed Packaging Changes

USMEF is currently reviewing communications between the government of Mexico and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regarding newly proposed restrictions on packaging of imported meat products. Under this proposal, carcasses, half carcasses and pieces would be allowed for import only when packaged in boxes or pallets. Meat “combos” – the presentation of bulk products in packages of more than 50 kg – would only be allowed for shipments of non-frozen, mechanically deboned meat.

Implementation of these restrictions could create difficulties for many U.S. exporters. At last report, Mexican officials have agreed to a meeting with the Foreign Agricultural Service and APHIS during the week of Jan. 5 to further discuss this matter. In the meantime, USDA has requested that USMEF gather information for its upcoming meeting with Mexico, including:

1.) Type of products that will be affected;  

2.) How much product will be affected (percentage of U.S. exports by product being shipped in combos); and

3.) Cost and time needed to switch – if possible - from combos to other packaging alternatives. Please provide this information to Ann Spaeth at aspaeth@usmef.org or Courtney Heller at cheller@usmef.org before January 2.

USMEF will continue to monitor this situation and provide further information as it becomes available. Due to Mexico’s government holiday schedule, however, we do not expect to have much new information until after New Year’s Day.

More Answers Sought Regarding Mexico’s Proposed Packaging Changes

USMEF is currently reviewing communications between the government of Mexico and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regarding newly proposed restrictions on packaging of imported meat products. Under this proposal, carcasses, half carcasses and pieces would be allowed for import only when packaged in boxes or pallets. Meat “combos” – the presentation of bulk products in packages of more than 50 kg – would only be allowed for shipments of non-frozen, mechanically deboned meat.

Implementation of these restrictions could create difficulties for many U.S. exporters. At last report, Mexican officials have agreed to a meeting with the Foreign Agricultural Service and APHIS during the week of Jan. 5 to further discuss this matter. In the meantime, USDA has requested that USMEF gather information for its upcoming meeting with Mexico, including:

1.) Type of products that will be affected;  

2.) How much product will be affected (percentage of U.S. exports by product being shipped in combos); and

3.) Cost and time needed to switch – if possible - from combos to other packaging alternatives. Please provide this information to Ann Spaeth at aspaeth@usmef.org or Courtney Heller at cheller@usmef.org before January 2.

USMEF will continue to monitor this situation and provide further information as it becomes available. Due to Mexico’s government holiday schedule, however, we do not expect to have much new information until after New Year’s Day.