Information from SENASICA: National Service of Health, Innoculation, and Agrofeed Quality
Last updated: Jan. 10, 2012
In October, 2011 we ran our first note on Guidelines on animals, plants, and products that may enter Mexico based on information from the official SENASICA site (www.senasica.gob.mx). Some of these links have been moved, so we wanted to provide the following updates. (Note: At the moment it would appear not all of the links are available in English – though keep checking the “English” tab in the upper righthand corner on the SENASICA site) Available info in English Nov. 2012: http://www.senasica.gob.mx/?Idioma=2&id=602
Permitted products (**Jan 2012**)
• Dried, cooked, canned, and bottled foods in their original package (not homemade)
• Toasted coffee, prunes, canned or packaged spices, dry medicinal herbs
• Conserved or cooked fruit or vegetables, dried fruits
• Pork (refrigerated, frozen, canned, cooked and processed, canned pâté) in the original, sealed package and with USDA or Canadian Ministry of Agriculture seal, up to 5 kilos (11 lbs.) per car
• Poultry (fresh, frozen, cooked or processed in the US) in the original, sealed package and with USDA or Canadian Ministry of Agriculture seal. In the Fall of 2012, the latest information concerning turkeys indicates this to be a limit of 1 turkey per car.
• Powdered milk, lactose items and mature cheeses from Canada or the US (in their original package)
Prohibited products (**Jan 2012**)
• Dirt, hay, hay flower
• Homemade products
• Pet food
• Flour made from animal origin
• Meat (fresh, dried, canned or frozen, beef products) not in original packaging or from countries Mexico considers to be high-risk (For example, no BEEF from the U.S.). Must indicate type of meat (animal) and country of origin.
• Vaccinations or biological drugs that contain any type of exotic plague or illness
NOTE: There are NO FINES for carrying food (or pet food) goods, though upon detection you will need to either return these to the US (for example, perhaps drop off at Lukeville gas station) or have the items taken from you.
Regulated products (**Jan 2012**)
• In Mexico, only cats and dogs are considered to be pets, and must have vaccination records (health certificate) issued by a vet. No fee for travel with one or two pets.
• Live animals (birds and other small species)
• Unprepared or unfinished animal hides
• Hunting trophies (i.e. carcass)
• Vegetable material (seeds, plant cuttings,) fruit, vegetable, flowers, cereals, plants
• Lactose products, bees and bee products, meat products that come from countries without absolute quarantine
• Medication and biological products for veterinary use, genetically modified live organisms, objects that may have organic residue on them (blood or dirt) such as boots, bull-fighting uniform, swords, rocks, ropes, etc.)
Remember that the compliance of the regulations established by SENASICA-SAGARPA do not exempt you from the compliance of regulations of other authorities at the point of entrance.