Progress Achieved on Reinstatement of Plants Exporting to Mexico

Progress Achieved on Reinstatement of Plants Exporting to Mexico

U.S. processing plants suspended (effective Dec. 23) from exporting meat to Mexico have made significant progress in gaining reinstatement. According to FSIS and Senasica, 20 of the 25 U.S. plants that have submitted paperwork seeking reinstatement have been approved by Senasica, with action pending on the other five applications. The current list of all plants approved for export to Mexico (note the explanation for locating plants by their establishment number) is online.

The effective date for those plants already reinstated is Dec. 26. FSIS awaits information on the remaining plants that were suspended, but work continues toward restoration of trade for all U.S. facilities that export to Mexico.

"There is still much work left to do, but USMEF is very pleased with today's announcement," said Paul Clayton, USMEF senior vice president of export services. "Mexico is a critical export market for all red meat, and it is important to get our full volume of product moving again as quickly as possible. It is encouraging to see officials from the two governments come together quickly and make strides toward fully restoring trade."

In addition to last week's plant suspensions, Mexico has proposed a change in policy with regard to packaging requirements for imported meat. 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. The proposed change is set to take effect Jan. 15, but the Foreign Agricultural Service and APHIS have scheduled a meeting with Mexican officials during the week of Jan. 5 to further discuss this matter.

"These proposed restrictions could create difficulties for many U.S. exporters, and the last thing we need is further confusion at the border," explained Clayton. "We see very little justification for this change, and we are hopeful that the upcoming meeting will offer a more complete explanation."

Companies concerned about specific impacts of the proposed change in packaging requirements — including additional costs and the volume of product affected — may provide this information to USMEF, and it will be given to FAS and APHIS to assist in preparation for their upcoming meeting with Mexican officials. Please send your information to Ann Spaeth at aspaeth@usmef.org or Courtney Heller at cheller@usmef.org before January 2. 

New EU Certificates Posted for Pork, Wild Boar

A new European Union certificate for wild boar and transit was posted Dec. 29. An amendment to the pork certificate, which was posted Dec. 24, is also anticipated. Further information should be available soon at this site.

You may also address questions to Courtney Heller at 303-226-7315 or cheller@usmef.org.

Progress Achieved on Reinstatement of Plants Exporting to Mexico

U.S. processing plants suspended (effective Dec. 23) from exporting meat to Mexico have made significant progress in gaining reinstatement. According to FSIS and Senasica, 20 of the 25 U.S. plants that have submitted paperwork seeking reinstatement have been approved by Senasica, with action pending on the other five applications. The current list of all plants approved for export to Mexico (note the explanation for locating plants by their establishment number) is online.

The effective date for those plants already reinstated is Dec. 26. FSIS awaits information on the remaining plants that were suspended, but work continues toward restoration of trade for all U.S. facilities that export to Mexico.

"There is still much work left to do, but USMEF is very pleased with today's announcement," said Paul Clayton, USMEF senior vice president of export services. "Mexico is a critical export market for all red meat, and it is important to get our full volume of product moving again as quickly as possible. It is encouraging to see officials from the two governments come together quickly and make strides toward fully restoring trade."

In addition to last week's plant suspensions, Mexico has proposed a change in policy with regard to packaging requirements for imported meat. 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. The proposed change is set to take effect Jan. 15, but the Foreign Agricultural Service and APHIS have scheduled a meeting with Mexican officials during the week of Jan. 5 to further discuss this matter.

"These proposed restrictions could create difficulties for many U.S. exporters, and the last thing we need is further confusion at the border," explained Clayton. "We see very little justification for this change, and we are hopeful that the upcoming meeting will offer a more complete explanation."

Companies concerned about specific impacts of the proposed change in packaging requirements — including additional costs and the volume of product affected — may provide this information to USMEF, and it will be given to FAS and APHIS to assist in preparation for their upcoming meeting with Mexican officials. Please send your information to Ann Spaeth at aspaeth@usmef.org or Courtney Heller at cheller@usmef.org before January 2. 

New EU Certificates Posted for Pork, Wild Boar

A new European Union certificate for wild boar and transit was posted Dec. 29. An amendment to the pork certificate, which was posted Dec. 24, is also anticipated. Further information should be available soon at this site.

You may also address questions to Courtney Heller at 303-226-7315 or cheller@usmef.org.