Market Information
Latin America and Caribbean

A Step by Step Guide to Exporting Forages to Mexico

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Market and Industry Services Branch
402 -303 Main Street
Winnipeg, MB
R3C 3G7

January 2001

For further information contact:
Hector Urbina (204) 983-3835

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. FORAGE INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

1.1 Manitoba Grown
1.2 Manitoba Seed Varieties
1.3 The Benefits of Forages
1.4 The Role of the Hog Industry

2. CANADA'S INSPECTION, GRADING AND QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM

2.1 Hay & Straw Certification Program - Manitoba Forage Council Inc
2.2 Manitoba Green Gold Program - Manitoba Agriculture
2.3 The Canadian Phytosanitary Certificate
2.4 Feed Testing Laboratories - Feed Analysis
2.5 Relative Feed Value
2.6 Moisture Content

3. VALUE ADDED PROCESSING

3.1 Product form of Pellets and Cubes
3.2 Product Form of Bales
3.3 Alfalfa Meal and Pellets
3.4 Alfalfa Cubes
3.5 Compressed Bales of Alfalfa and Timothy Hay

4. FORAGE PRODUCTION

5. MEXICO MARKET PROFILE

5.1 Cattle Production Areas

5.2 Forage Production Areas

6. BARRIERS TO ENTRY

7. TRADE FAIRS

8. IMPORTING REGULATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION

8.1 Labeling
8.2 Phytosanitary Certificates
8.3 Shipping Documents to Mexico
8.4 Tariffs in Mexico
8.5 Media & Advertising

APPENDIX

The Manitoba Forage Industry

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Forage production and marketing lends itself well to Canadian agriculture where traditionally specialty cash crops have been limited by our growing season, moisture conditions, temperature and soil type. When the industry experiences depressed commodity prices, high quality forages sold in the export market have provided an alternative source of income. As demand for farm diversification increases, forages may provide an excellent source of growth opportunity in Manitoba.

Japan, the United States and South Korea are some of our largest buyers. Though Mexico's economic importance is less, they too play an essential role in our export market. As market access improves in Mexico, one can expect to see a large growth potential there.

Entering the global market place is not always easy to do but, through research and hard work, the results may be very rewarding. Before going global, there are several questions you should ask:

What are the potential markets?
What does the consumer demand?
What are the costs of production and transportation?
What restrictions exist?
What about regulations and documentation?

This book will provide practical information to guide you on your export journey.

1 FORAGE INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Across Canada, more than 26 million hectares annually are set aside for ruminant grazing and forage production. Of those acres, approximately 15 million hectares are native range, 4 million hectares are pasture and around 6 million hectares are cultivated forages for hay and pasture. With Canada's cool, moist climate lending itself well to quality hay and forage production, it is surprising that off-farm hay sales represent less than 15 per cent of total production.

Our reputation for quality forage products has allowed us to better position ourselves globally. With continued efforts, our export potential will grow. Nationwide, alfalfa meal and pellets have been to date one of our largest export commodities with $41 million in sales being shipped in 1999 alone. However, as we have seen the demand for meal and pellets drop off, the hay market has stepped up to become our largest export market with $49 million in sales in 1999.

Manitoba's exports of alfalfa and hay have been typically the larger portion of our export market. From 1998 to 1999, alfalfa baled exports declined by 50%, while hay (not elsewhere specified) numbers rose from approximately 4,000 to 6,800 tonnes.

It should be noted that these numbers may be underestimated according to statistics reported by the importing countries. Alberta Agriculture's annual surveys also have shown larger quantities and export values. Part of this underestimation may be due to the fact that Canadian producers are not required to report exports of less than $2000.

1.1 Manitoba Grown

Manitoba's key forage producing regions exist in both North and Southwestern parts, as well as the Interlake, although production is scattered throughout the province. The excellent alfalfa and timothy produced, along with other forage crops, have been traditionally used for beef and dairy operations within the province. Of Canada's total tame hay production in 1998, Manitoba contributed 12.6 per cent, which was up substantially from 10.2 in 1997.

1.2 Manitoba Seed Varieties

Numerous varieties can be grown in Manitoba. Alfalfa, alfalfa/bromegrass mix, and timothy are among some of the most common hay and forage crops produced. By consulting the "Seed Manitoba - Variety Recommendations and Growers Directory" published by the Manitoba Cooperator, the Manitoba Seed Growers Association and Manitoba Agriculture and Food, one can select the most appropriate variety for a given region.

1.3 The Benefits of Forages

Forage crops such as alfalfa can provide numerous agronomic and environmental benefits. Leguminous crops like alfalfa can provide substantial amounts of nitrogen that can be broken down gradually and released over time. Nitrogen benefits of alfalfa can also be seen through nitrogen extraction up to 260 cm deep. Because of nitrogen fixation and breakdown, 71 per cent of producers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan have indicated a yield increase in their traditional crops when forages are used in their crop rotation.

Studies have shown that after a two or three-year stand of a forage crop in rotation, weed stands can also be significantly reduced. With less weed pressure, fewer herbicides are required. Forages can use water from lower depths than most typical crops because of the extensive deep-rooted system.

For more information on the benefits of forages, check out this website: http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/afs/plant_science/EXTNBLTN/agrif95.html

1.4 The Role of the Hog Industry

With almost 5 million hogs in the province, manure handling and disposal has become an issue. Public concerns have focussed on the threat of E. coli and water contamination.

Forages can play a very important role when manure is applied in the appropriate manner; it can be an excellent source of fertilizer for crops. Different crops require distinctly different amounts of nitrogen. Forage crops like alfalfa can use substantially more nitrogen than most crops, especially cereals. Because they are deep rooted, they are capable of retrieving nutrients that would have otherwise been lost by leaching into groundwater.

As well, preliminary trials in Saskatchewan have shown that one application of hog manure may provide adequate soil nutrients for up to three years. The ammonium part of the manure, which is readily available to plants, is used immediately while the organic portion is broken down over the growing season and subsequent growing seasons. Generally, 30 to 50 per cent of the nitrogen will be mineralized during the first cropping season with the remainder mineralized during future years.

2. CANADA'S INSPECTION, GRADING AND QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM

Canada has been traditionally known for its top quality hay. However, in the past, there have been few standards put in place to ensure consistent quality. Since the export market requires quality and consistency, a few programs have been implemented to help producers meet the needs of their customers.

2.1 Hay & Straw Certification Program - Manitoba Forage Council Inc.

The Hay Certification Program is voluntary. Through the program, a producer arranges to have their hay certified by a trained, unbiased inspector. The inspector randomly chooses bales and visually inspects them to determine the species and mixture as well as colour, odour, foreign materials, etc. A sample also is taken from each lot to determine the chemical analysis. A "lot" is defined as hay that is of the same species, from within the same field, at the same stage of maturity, cut within the same 48-hour period. Smaller lots from the same field may be required if rain damage has occurred, or there is variation in soil, weeds or hay species within the same field.

Once the hay is inspected, it will be described according to several components, such as:

• leaf attachment
• stem size and texture
• percentage of grass or legume
• percentage of moisture
• crude protein
• calcium
• phosphorous
• total digestible nutrients (TDN), acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and relative feed value (RFV)

Through the Hay Certification Program, buyers will be able to determine exactly what they are getting without having to see the hay first. Prices will also be established more appropriately when the quality has been accurately recorded. Once the hay has been certified, it can be placed on the Manitoba Forage Council's Certified Haylisting accessible via the internet.

For more information on the Hay Certification Program, please contact:

Manitoba Forage Council Inc.
123 Dickens Drive
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3K 0M1
Tel: (204) 889-5699 Fax: (204) 897-4086
Email: mfc@escape.ca

2.2 Manitoba Green Gold Program - Manitoba Agriculture

This program helps producers determine the best harvest date needed to maintain high quality forages. Manitoba Agriculture and Food, local producers and sponsors have been jointly developing this program for several years. Alfalfa fields are sampled in each region of the province two times a week throughout June. These samples are analyzed at Norwest Labs and the results are faxed back to Manitoba Agriculture and Food as well as the producers within 24 hours.

Through this program, it has been determined that most alfalfa fields reach the optimum 150 relative feed value (RFV) at the early to mid-bud stage. It has also been seen that the RFV drops an average of five points per day. For every year this program has been implemented, optimal harvesting dates have been recorded in order to reach 150 RFV. This date will vary from region to region, so it is best to contact your regional forage specialist. In order to reach 150 RFV, producers must cut the crop at 165 RFV because one can expect to lose about 15 points during harvest due to leaf loss and continued respiration.

The RFV is determined by a lab analysis that compares the acid detergent fibre (ADF) that indicates the forage digestibility, and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) that provides an indication of potential daily forage dry matter intake. RFV has become an industry standard for measurement with 150 RFV being optimal.

For more information on Manitoba's Green Gold Program, visit the website at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/news/greengold/gginto.html

Contact your nearest regional forage specialist:

Northwest Region
Pam Iwanchysko
Ethelbert
(204) 742-3779

Central Region
Vaughan Greenslade
Portage La Prairie
(204) 239-3366

Southwest Region
Jane Thornton
Brandon
(204) 726-6409

Eastern Region
Fraser Stewart
Beausejour
(204) 268-6014

Interlake Region
Kevin Yaworski
Ashern
(204) 768-2781

2.3 The Canadian Phytosanitary Certificate

A phytosanitary certificate is an official document issued by the plant protection organization of the exporting country to the plant protection organization of the importing country. It certifies that the specific shipment of the plants and plant products covered by the certificate are free from quarantine pests, practically free from other injurious pests and meets the importing country's requirements. With the completion of the document, including an authorizing stamp and signature, the responsibility rests with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and in particular the inspector.

For each importing country, the phytosanitary document may be different. Check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for specific information at:

59 Camelot Dr.
Nepean, Ontario K1A 0Y9
Tel: (613) 225-2342
Fax: (613) 228-6621

or contact

Wally Happychuk
Mid-West Region: 613-269 Main Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1B2
Tel: (204) 983-2200

In order to apply for the phytosanitary certification process, a copy of the relevant hay inspection report must accompany each application form (Application for Export Inspection and Phytosanitary Certification)

2.4 Feed Testing Laboratories - Feed Analysis

By providing a feed test and analysis of your forage or hay product, purchasers are able to more clearly determine the kind and content of the forage. A feed analysis will determine the moisture content, relative feed value (RFV), crude protein, phosphorous, total digestible nutrients, and others. Hay and Forage Grower, a publication made available to Manitoba Forage Council members, also provides a list of accredited labs in Canada and the U.S.

For U.S. labs, you can visit a website called A2LA at www.a2la.org/ . This website is the American Association of Lab Accreditation in the United States. They can also be contacted at Tel: 1-301-670-1377 or Fax at: 1-301-869-1495.

For a complete Canadian list, contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at: www.cfia-acia.agr.ca or call: (613) 225-2342 or Fax: (613) 228-6621.

Locally there are a few Canadian Food Inspection Agency approved labs:

Norwest Labs
Agricultural Services Complex
203-545 University Crescent
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5S6

Enviro-Test Laboratories
(Saskatchewan Soil Testing Lab)
University of Saskatchewan
General Purpose Building
Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W0

Central Testing Laboratory Ltd.
(not SCC approved)
101-193 Dumoulin Street
Winnipeg, MB R2H 0E4

There are several components that are used to measure quality in hay. Quality is very important in the export market. Without consistently high quality product, our exporters may lose interest.

2.5 Relative Feed Value

Optimal relative feed values (RFV) can differ depending on your end market. For example, in the dairy industry an RFV of 150 is optimal. However, beef cow/calves or heifers may only require an RFV of 120. Knowing your market can be very important. Potential exporters also should be aware that timothy hay, unlike alfalfa is often valued more for its appearance.

There are several guides that can help you determine the optimal RFV, like the Manitoba Green Gold Program and Manitoba Agriculture and Food. See also a brochure called Marketing Your Cash Hay, a publication funded by the Manitoba Farm Business Management Council, and distributed by the Manitoba Forage Council (MFC) and Manitoba Agriculture and Food. PEAQ sticks, available through Manitoba Agriculture and the MFC are also useful in determining your RFV.

2.6 Moisture Content

Moisture content is an important consideration for hay quality. Most foreign markets want a moisture content of 12 per cent or less, while domestic markets will allow for between 14 and 18 percent depending on the bale size and density. Most processors require 12 per cent, however dryers have eliminated this problem for many. When marketing hay, moisture testing using a Koster or microwave tester is very important. Probes are useful, but not always accurate.

Manitoba Agriculture and Food suggests the following process be used to measure forage dry matter :

Weigh an empty paper plate.
Put about 200 grams of hay on the plate and weigh it. Write down total weight.
Put the plate and sample in a microwave oven with a cup of water. (It is important to have the cup of water.)
Microwave on high for three minutes.
Remove the plate and sample and weight them. Write down the weight.
Put the plate and sample back into the oven and microwave on high for one more minute.
Continue heating the sample at one minute intervals and weighing in between until the sample stops losing weight. Record the final weight.

Now plug the numbers into the following formula:
% of forage dry matter = Final weight of sample and plate minus weight of plate X 100%
Original weight of sample and plate minus weight of plate In the field for a general idea, you can also use this method:

30-40% Leaves begin to rustle and do not give up moisture unless rubbed hard. Juice can be squeezed easily from stems using thumbnail or knife or with difficulty by twisting hands.
25-30% Hay rustles. A bundle twisted in the hands will snap with difficulty, but should show no surface moisture. You can squeeze moisture from thick stems if you scrape them with your thumbnail.
20-25% Hay rustles readily. A bundle will snap easily if twisted. Leaves may shatter. A few juicy stems may remain.
15-20% Swathed hay breaks easily. A bundle will snap easily when twisted. Juice is difficult to squeeze out. Hay is close to being ready to bale.

(Chart published in Hoard's Dairyman, 1987.)

3. VALUE ADDED PROCESSING

Hay can be processed into a variety of forms, some of these include dehydrated alfalfa pellets, sun-cured alfalfa pellets, alfalfa cubes, and compacted bales. The specifications commonly used in Canada are as follows:

3.1 Product form of Pellets and Cubes

Typical nutrient specifications for the major alfalfa products are as follows:

These are typical specifications for Canadian Alfalfa Products (100% Dry Matter Basis).

3.2 Product Form of Bales

Hay is typically compressed into a 14" x 18" X 18" bale, weighing approximately 80 lbs, and banded with three to four poly straps. The densified bales are then loaded into 40 foot containers and shipped to an inland container yard, and moved to port by rail. Each individual processor may work with different sized bales, so it is best to determine the local requirements. Small square bales are most commonly used, however large round or square bales can also be rebaled.

3.3 Alfalfa Meal and Pellets

In 1996, alfalfa meal and pellets comprised one of the largest export markets for Manitoba. More recently, the market has dropped off and baled alfalfa and hay have stepped up to take the lead. In 1999 in Manitoba, approximately $31,000 of meal and pellets were exported, while Canada as a whole exported closer to $42,000,000 worth. Sun-cured pellet production has dropped the most substantially. Dehy pellets have dropped only slightly and are expected to rebound. In Canada, 32,400 tonnes of sun-cured alfalfa and 315,000 tonnes of dehy pellets were exported in 1998-99.

Dehydrated and sun-cured alfalfa pellets are the most common. These pellets are finely chopped and dried and processed into small pellets. Because of the processing, dehydrated alfalfa has a higher crude protein level and lower crude fiber than sun-cured alfalfa. The main processing difference is that sun-cured alfalfa is wilted before processing, while dehydrated alfalfa is dried fresh from the swath. Pellets must by dried to 8 per cent moisture for optimal storage and shipping.

Japan has been by far the largest importer of Canadian alfalfa meal and pellets. In fact, we are the main supplier to Japan's pellet industry. The numbers have been gradually declining however. In 1994, 275,246 tonnes were exported, then in 1998 only 133,737 tonnes were exported. United States, South Korea and Taiwan are our next major importers. However, their imports from Canada have almost been cut in half over the same time period.

3.4 Alfalfa Cubes

Alfalfa cubes are coarsely shredded, field dried or high temperature dried alfalfa. The two most common sizes are 7/8" and 1". Canada supplies approximately one quarter of the Japanese import market, while the United States supplies around three quarters. Manitoba's exports, though minimal, have been growing over the past five years. Japan is consistently the largest importer of Canadian alfalfa cubes.

Manitoba's two alfalfa processors are:

Alfalfa Products Ltd., located near Fort Whyte, is one Manitoba company that exports dehydrated alfalfa pellets to regions such as Hong Kong, South Korea, the United States, Japan and Taiwan.

P.O. Box 90, Fort Whyte
Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1G5
Tel: (204) 488-5059 Fax: (204) 489-2257
Contact: George Stilwell, Manager

Coldstream Alfalfa Processing, located out of Dauphin, Manitoba, has also been an active exporter of dehydrated alfalfa pellets to the United States primarily. This company also produces a variety of other forage and hay products for export.

P.O. Box 337, Keays Industrial Road
Dauphin, MB R7N 2V2
Tel: (204) 638-3812 Fax: (204) 638-3963
Contact: Chris & Kathy Skuter

3.5 Compressed Bales of Alfalfa and Timothy Hay

Compressed hay has a bulk density of approximately 20 pounds per cubic foot or more, and is manufactured by mechanical or hydraulic compression from low density field baled forage in chopped, round or square bales. There has been a steady increase in exports of timothy hay to Japan from Canada. The United States is the second most important market for hay, followed by South Korea. The alfalfa hay industry has been maintaining production levels while timothy exports have risen significantly.

Manitoba's hay processors are:

Sunridge Forage Ltd.
Box 250
Russell, MB. R0J 1W0
Tel: (204) 773-2013 Fax: (204) 773-3137
Contact: Gary Halwas

Canadian Greenfield Forages Inc.
Box 155
Teulon, MB. R0C 3B0
Tel: (204) 886-2676 Fax: (204) 886-3722
Contact: Irvin Helwar

Lake Winnipeg Hay Company
Box 310
Fisher Branch, MB. R0C 0Z0
Tel: (204) 372-8600
Fax: (204) 372-6798

Chapman Bros. Farms Ltd.
Box 490
Virden, MB R0M 2C0

For more information on the Canadian processed forage industry, contact the Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Markets and Economics, Market Analysis Unit at www.agric.gov.ab.ca and request a copy of The Canadian Processed Forage Industry Report.

4. FORAGE PRODUCTION

Forage production for the export market is extremely different than typical forage acres. Foreign markets are looking for high quality product. "High quality" can be defined differently depending on the end market. It is particularly useful to select for your end market and understand their needs before you begin production. Several manuals have been published to walk you through from variety selection to weed control to harvest.

Manitoba Agriculture and Food have numerous fact sheets and books. You can access these directly by contacting your local agriculture office, or by visiting: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/forages/index.html

Industry News is available by visiting:

http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/news/agmarks/agmarks.html

http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca

http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca

Other publications include:

Seed Manitoba - Variety Recommendations and Growers Directory, Manitoba Cooperator, Manitoba Seed Growers Association, and Manitoba Agriculture and Food
Forage Seed Production Manual, Manitoba Forage Seed Association
Timothy Production Manual, Canadian Hay Association
2000 Forage Crop Production Guide, Saskatchewan Agriculture
Alberta Forage Manual, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

5. MEXICO MARKET PROFILE

5.1 Cattle Production Areas

In order to understand where the demand is for hay, we need to locate and examine the main cattle producing areas of Mexico. The country has three distinct zones of beef and dairy production. The first zone is located north of Mexico City and includes the states of Chihuahua, Sonora, Sinaloa, and Durango. This zone contains about 17% of all the combined cattle in Mexico. The second zone is situated to the east and south side of Mexico City and has the largest share of cattle production at about 30% of total. The most important states in this zone include Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tabasco and Chiapas. The third zone is located west and north central of Mexico City. Cattle production in this third zone was about 25% of the total cattle inventory in 1999.

In 1999, the total beef and cattle inventory was around 30.1 million head. The cattle inventory has remained stable over the last 10 years averaging around 29 to 32 million head. The majority of Mexico's inventory is made up by beef cattle which runs around 28.3 million head. The remaining 1.8 million head are dairy cattle. The hay exporter would be wise to concentrate their efforts on the last two zones which contain 55% or more of the total cattle production in Mexico.

In terms of beef cattle production, Veracruz is the main cattle producing state in Mexico, followed by Chiapas and Jalisco. In 1999, Veracruz, Chiapas and Jalisco had an inventory of about 4.1, 2.5 and 2.2 million head respectively. In comparison, the main dairy herds are found in Durango, Coahuila, Puebla, Hidalgo, Jalisco and Chihuahua states. They held about 218, 201, 183, 170, 166 and 144 thousand head respectively that year. Mexico uses milk production systems which can vary from highly technical and intensified to low tech and very inefficient. The highly specialized milk production systems like to use the Holstein breed followed by Jersey and American Swiss.

All Cattle and Calves, 1999 (head)

Beef Cows and Calves, 1999 (head)

Dairy Cows and Calves, 1999 (head)

5.2 Forage Production Areas

The high demand for meat in the domestic and the export markets has forced some changes in production practices. Mexican cattle producers are transforming some of the existing production systems into highly intensified cattle producing areas. The producers tend to rely on better genetics, highly intensified and mechanized installations, and higher quality forages and grain silage. Beef cattle are mainly fed forages from pastures or other agriculture byproducts and supplemented with grain silage. Current Mexican statistics show more than 107 million hectares as designated for cattle raising, pasture growing and as marginal lands.

Sagar (Secretaria de Agricultura, Ganaderia and Desarrollo Rural) reported oat silage production of 1.2 million tons, corn silage production of 41,573 tons, Sorgo silage production of 342,948 tons and Alfalfa production of 20.7 million tons in the 1999/00 crop year.

Oaxaca was the largest corn silage-producing state (15,580 tons), followed by Jalisco (14,212 tons). The United States supplies all of Mexico's corn import needs. The US has advantages of proximity, year-round availability and credit over other countries. The starch, poultry, and livestock industries prefer yellow corn to domestic white corn and therefore import most of their corn needs. The poultry industry is the major consumer of feed corn and sorgo.

Coahuila was the largest oat silage-producing state (267,189 tons), followed by Jalisco (117,227 tons), Guanajuato (110,880 tons), Zacatecas (86,859 tons) and Aguascalientes (75,174 tons).

Total Feed Production (Oat, Green Alfalfa, Corn & Sorgo Forage) 1999/00 tons

Source: Maxican Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Rural Development SAGAR

Sinoloa was the largest sorgo-producing state (129,425 tons), Michoacan (65,387 tons), Guerrero (44,199 tons), Nuevo Leon (26,826 tons) and Colima (11,855 tons). The poultry industry continues to be the major consumer of sorgo in Mexico. In terms of feed grain consumption, corn and sorgo are the main feed grains (supplements) used in beef cattle production.

Chihuahua was the largest alfalfa-producing state (3.4 million tons), followed by Hidalgo (3.0 million tons), Guanajuato (2.6 million tons) and Baja California (1.6 million tons).

6. BARRIERS TO ENTRY

The volume of Canadian hay moving into Mexico has been sporadic and inconsistent in size. Manitoba has been unable to export hay into Mexico over the last 12 years. There are many reasons for this, the first being market price. According to a source at the New Mexico State Department of Agriculture, the lowest price for hay at Farmington, New Mexico is around US$ 50/ a short ton (FOB). This hay is destined for the dairy producing area of Comarca Lagunera, in Durango state.

Another barrier for Manitoba exporters is the measurement values. Mexican dairy hay measurements are not based on relative feed value but on crude protein content or ADF (acid detergent fibre) and NDF (neutral detergent fibre). The ADF value refers to portions of the cell wall that are made up of cellulose and lignin. This value is important because it relates to the animal's ability to digest the forage. The NDF measures total cell wall content, or the ADF fraction plus hemicellulose. Neutral detergent fibre values are important in ration formulation because they reflect the amount of forage the animal can consume. Typical hay specifications for the Mexican market can range from 22-25% protein, 25-30% ADF and 30-40% NDF content. The most common bale size is the three tie bale, weighing approximately 140 lbs. and banded with three poly (not wire) straps.

The final barrier relates to an additional 10% import duty paid by the importer.

7. TRADE FAIRS

AFIA AGRO - Guadalajara, Jalisco

Tel: (52) 3616 7866
Internet: www.afia-agro.com
Expo Guadalajara
March 8-10, 2001

An exposition for equipment, services and supplies for agriculture and livestock.

Queretaro Fair & Livestock Show - Queretaro, Queretaro

Contact: Danial Vogel of DATCP
Email: dan.vogel@datep.state.wi.us
or Jayne Krull at Tel: (608) 224-5120
Fax: (608) 224-5111
Email: jayne.krull@datep.state.wi.us December 1-17, 2000

Agriculture and livestock show

Mega Expo Pecuaria Internacional - Irapuato, Guanajuato

Tel/Fax (52) 4626 8586
Email: pia9@prodigy.net
Internet: www.mega-expopecuaria.com
Late September

Livestock show, including dairy and beef cattle, swine, horses, poultry, sheep, etc.

Expo Ganadera Jalisco - Guadalajara, Jalisco

Tel (52) 3635 6611
Fax (52) 3656 6270
Second fortnight of October

Agriculture and livestock show

Mexican Associations

Ing. Gustavo Torres Flores
Presidente
Confederacion Nacional Ganadera (CNG)
Mariano Escobedo 714 Col. Polanco
Mexico DF 11590
Mexico

8. IMPORTING REGULATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION

The importing regulations discussed in the following section applied only to products classified under the harmonized system such as alfalfa meal and pellets (HS121410), alfalfa in cubes, dehydrated and compressed hay (HS 121490).

Only registered importers who are citizens of Mexico or locally incorporated companies can import goods into Mexico.

By law, a licensed Mexican customs broker must process all incoming shipments.

The government of Mexico imposes standards on a wide range of products. In general, the purpose of these regulations is to ensure that the products are safe and effective for their intended purpose. There are two types of standards when importing alfalfa and hay into Mexico. Product standards can be mandatory or voluntary. Mandatory Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOMs) official standards, apply to imported products as well as domestically produced goods and are enforced at the border. To export hay (HS 1214), the exporter has to comply with the following mandatory official standards NOM-011-RECNAT-1996 published by Official Gazette, Diario Oficial, on June 26,1996 and NOM-006-FITO-1996 published by official Gazette on February 26, 1996 as notified per the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development on November 1, 2000 (See annex).

Mexico Green Alfalfa Production 1999/00 (tons)

Products for which technical NOMs have been issued must be tested in Mexico and a certificate of compliance must be obtained from the Direccion General de Normas, Bureau of Standards, which is part of Secofi. In order to obtain a certificate of compliance with a NOM, the importer must submit samples of the product for testing or verification. In addition, the exporters should submit this constancia de conformidad, certificates of compliance, when the goods cross the border.

The second type voluntary standards, designated as Normas Mexicanas (NMX) do not generally affect Canadian exporters. Their purpose is to promote and recognize the implementation of international quality standards in Mexico. The voluntary standard associated with exporting alfalfa meal to Mexico is NMX-Y-305-1997-SCFI animal feeds- alfalfa meal- specifications. Alfalfa meal can be classified in three different quality grades according to meal type and protein content. Grade A meal comes from alfalfa leaves and must have 24% protein (min), 11% humidity (min), fibre 16% (min) and 10% ashes (min) contents. Grade B meal comes from stems and leaves and must have 18 % protein (min) content. Grade C meal comes from stem and must have 15 % protein (min), 11 % humidity (max), 16 % fibre (max), and 10 % ashes (max) contents. Complete information about the requirements can be found in the following web site: http://www.secofi.gob.mx/. (See annex for a copy of this regulation).

8.1 Labeling

Official Mexican Standards for labeling bags for animal feeds and major ingredients are also included in the annex (NMX-Y-143-1977). In summary, the product should have a label indicating the commercial name, registering number, net content, manufacturing company, ingredient analysis, etc. Labels must be in Spanish although they can include other languages, as long as the Spanish component appears in the same typeface and is at least as large as the other languages (web site : http://www.secofi.gob.mx/).

8.2 Phytosanitary Certificates

Secretaria de Agricultura, Ganaderia y Desarrollo Rural (Sagar), Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development, requires sanitary or phytosanitary certificates for alfalfa and processed and dehydrated agricultural products and other dry forage plants (see appendix NOM-044-FITO-1995). This regulation tells of the requirements needed to import alfalfa and dry forage plants into Mexico. They are as follows:

International phytosanitary certificate indicating the location of the production area in Canada

Phytosanitary inspection at the importing port or border before coming to the country

In the event that a plague or pest is detected, a sample will be taken and sent to the lab

Products will be held in customs until the results are obtained

Once the above requirements are met, additional requirement may be asked for:

Alfalfa

The product should be cleaned of noxious weeds as specified in the regulation NOM-043-FITO-1999 (see appendix) and the product should go under treatment T302 (d1) or T302 (d2) (See appendix regulation NOM-044-FITO-1995)

Compressed hay may be subjected also to pass the treatment T302 (d1) and T302 (d2).

8.3 Shipping Documents to Mexico

We recommend that the exporter uses a Mexican custom broker, agente aduanal, to ensure that shipments meet all customs requirements and that the accompanying documents are completed correctly. Every shipment must be accompanied by the standard set of documents generally used in all international trade, including a certificate of origin and any other special certificates. The following chart provides what general requirements are needed to export compressed and dehydrated hay and alfalfa.

Shipping Goods to Mexico (Source: what you need to know to ship your goods to Mexico-Department of Foreign Affairs and International trade)

Transportation is a critical issue for Canadian exporters who enter the Mexican market. Shippers can choose between several shipping methods, but the one most important things to remember when making a choice is how to meet the customer's needs. Canadian products can be shipped to Mexico by land, ocean or air, or by some combination of those modes. Freight rates and services are constantly changing and negotiable.

Under NAFTA, the right of entry for Canadian and American trucks will be gradually phased-in over a six-year period. Under a memorandum of understanding between Canada and Mexico, Canadian trucking companies now have the right to cross into Mexico. They must transfer their load to a Mexican carrier within 20 kilometres of the Mexican border. Canadian carriers may also pick up north bound goods within this area. There are no direct links to Mexico from Canada, but shipments can be made using US railways and multimodal "piggyback" services.

Truck Services

Only large quantities of bulk commodities are outside the domain of truck transportation. Refrigerated cargo moves almost exclusively by truck. Overall, about 60% of all Canadian shipments to Mexico travel by truck.

Many Canadian trucking companies have developed arrangements with American and Mexican truckers to provide a complete transportation package. The best alternative is a logistics company or freight forwarder which has a presence in Canada, the US and Mexico. This will facilitate customs procedures, including the opening and closing of transportation and exportation (T&E) bonds in the United States.

Road transportation from major Canadian cities to the Mexican border at Laredo, Texas takes about four days in full truck loads (FTL) and up to seven days for less-than-truckload (LTL).

Intermodal Services

Increasingly, Canadian exporters are choosing intermodal transportation to get their product to the Mexican market. Several carriers have attempted to meet this increasing demand. Highway trailers can be shipped by rail, and marine transporters offer linkages with both rail and truck transporters.

Intermodal operators offer a complete transportation package on a contractual basis. They negotiate freight rates with railway and truck operators on behalf of the exporter.

Shipment Ocean

Ocean transportation rates may be quite competitive with both truck and rail. The disadvantage is that this mode requires at least fourteen days of transit time from Canada to Mexico, plus an additional four or five days for customs clearance and warehouse storage at the port of entry.

Trucking Forages Into Mexico

Requirements to Operate as a Cross Border Carrier in the Norther Mexican States.  This document provides information for the following (see the appendix):

access requirements for the driver
access requirements for the load
access requirements for the vehicle
requirements to obtain the authorization to operate the International Freight Service in the Mexican Border States
and other authorizations

It discusses all documentation, inspection systems, phytosanitary information, and other general requirements. This document is a must for truckers operating in Mexico.

For more information, visit the website at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist11/border/nafta/requir.htm

Or Contact the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
Oversize, Overweight & Wide Load Permits
(916) 322-1297 or (909) 388-7062
 Other Mexican Considerations
Visit the border in advance

It is a good idea to visit the border and meet with Mexican officials prior to exporting. The Office of Agricultural Affairs in Nuevo Laredo can accommodate this.

The Office of Agricultural Affairs can be contacted at:
Tel: (52) (87) 19-16-03 Fax: (52) (87) 19-16-05
Email: agrnl@nid.bravo.net

Upon doing so, meeting both forwarders and brokers may be a good idea. Don't forget to check out lots of forwarders and brokers to ensure you've chosen a reputable one.

Forwarders are important for classifying shipments, counting merchandise, checking paperwork and arranging agricultural inspections. If the merchandise is to be moved into a refrigerated unit, they will arrange for a Mexican trailer. If the Canadian trailer is going into Mexico, they can verify that the exporter has a bond to ensure its return. Be aware that trailer bonds are sometimes expensive!

Mexican Customs brokers will clear the product for entry. They are the only ones who can issue the Pedimento de Importacion (critical for clearance). Brokers are also able to transfer pedimentos electronically.

Laredo Border Crossing

When visiting a border crossing, visiting Laredo would be a good choice. This crossing is one of the busiest. Be aware that the customs facility is open only between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., but perishable shipments are permitted to cross until noon.

When hauling food, fiber or forestry products, the driver must also stop at Mexico's Ministry of Agriculture Inspection (SAGAR), which closes at 4:00 p.m.. Cargo usually ends up getting into Mexico between 4:00 and 8:00pm.

Helpful Hints

1) Consolidate invoices

-add a column for the Mexican Harmonized Tariff Schedule
-add a column for shipments of multiple items
-a column for country of origin
-and note any NAFTA qualified products

2) Keep the same trailer unit - avoiding transfers may save time, money and quality of the product. Keep in mind, however bonds to insure the trailer may be expensive.

3) Use pallets - using these when possible will be easier for cargo transfer and often helps protect the product.

For more information see:  http://www.fas.usda.gov:80/info/agexporter/1999/mexconnect.html

Or contact the Office of Agricultural Affairs in Nuevo Laredo (see address above).

8.4 Tariffs in Mexico

Source: SECOFI

According to Secofi and NAFTA agreement, Mexico has import duties on three products including alfalfa, alfalfa meal and pellets and others. As the Americans, Canadians have an applicable range of 3.0 to 4.5% in tariffs for their products. In addition, the exporter must be aware that all products will be subject to inspection before entering the country and should meet the phytosanitary requirements.

Mexico announced suspension of duties for U.S. alfalfa meal and pelleted products, provided the importers obtain or have a permit from the Government of Mexico. This decree also seems to be applicable for alfalfa meal and pellets coming from Canada, but the exporter should confirm this.

8.5 Media & Advertising

Acontecer Bovino
Contact: Gerente de Publicidad
Ma. Del Carmen Fuentes Rosales
Ediciones Pecuarias de Mexico, S.A. De C.V.
Domicilio Postal: A.P. 69-707
C.P. 04461 Mexico, D.F.
Tel. Y Fax: 544-6666, 544-6686 y 544-9703.
Email: epm@netservice.com.mx

APPENDIX

Source: SAGAR

Source : SAGAR

MEXICO

Canadian Contacts in Mexico

Canadian Embassy
Schiller No. 529
Apartado Postal 105-05
Col. Polanco
11560 Mexico, D.F.
Mexico Mexico
Tel: (011-52-5) 724-7900
Fax: (011-52-5) 724-7982

Canadian Consulate
Edificio Kalos, Piso C-1
Local 108-A
Zaragoza y Constitucion
64000 Monterrey, Nuevo Leon
Tel: 344-3200
Fax: 344-3048

Canadian Consulate
Hotel Fiesta Americana
Local 30-A Suite 1500
Aurelio Aceves No. 225
Col. Fallarta Poniente
44110 Guadalajara, Jalisco
Mexico
Tel: 616-6215 Fax: 615-8665

Embassy of Mexico
45 O'Connor Street
Ottawa, ON
K1P 1A4
Tel: (613) 233-8988
Fax: (613) 235-9123

Mexican Consulate in Ottawa
45 O'Connor Street
Suite 1500
Ottawa, ON K1P 1A4
Tel: (613) 233-6665
Fax: (613) 235-9123

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce In Mexico
C/O Bombardier
Paseo de la Reforma No. 369,
Mezzanine
Col. Juarez
06500 Mexico, D.F.
Mexico
Tel: 729-9903 or 207-2400
Fax: 208-1592

Mexican Government Contacts

Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development
Secretaria de Agricultura, Ganaderia y Desarrollo Rural (SAGAR)
Insurgentes Sur No. 476, Piso 13
Col. Roma Sur
06760 Mexico, D.F.
Mexico
Tel: 584-0786/0271/6288
Fax: 584-2699

Secretariat of Foreign Affairs
Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE)
Ricardo Flores Magon No. 1, Piso
Col. Guerrero Piso 12, Ala Sur
06995 Mexico, D.F.
Mexico
Tel: 782-3660/3765
Fax: 782-3511

Mexican Foreign Trade Commission
Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior
Av. Camino A Santa Teresa No. 1679
Col. Jardines del Pedregal
01900 Mexico, D.F.
Mexico
Tel: 652-8422/8620, 327-6000
Fax: 652-9408

Secretariat of Commerce and Industrial Development
Bureau of Standards
Secretaria de Comercio y Fomento Industrial (SECOFI)
Direccion General de Normas
Av. Puente de Tecamachalco No. 6
Col. Fuentes de Tecamachalco
53950 Tecamachalco, Estado de Mexico
Mexico
Tel: 729-9300 Fax: 729-9477

Livestock Associations

Ing. Gustavo Torres Flores, Presidente
Confederacion Nacional Ganadera (CNG)
Mariano Escobedo 714
Col. Polanco
Mexico DF 11590
Mexico

Note: The CNG represents all livestock industries in Mexico. CNG is the head of all of the Region Pork, Beef and Dairy Unions. There are 2000 offices across Mexico. CNG represents roughly 2 million cattlemen. Inquiries need to be sent in Spanish and it would be a good idea to contact the Canadian Embassy in Mexico first.

Associations of Customs Brokers

Confederacion de Asociaciones de Agentes Aduanales de la Republica Mexicana
Hamburgo No. 225
Col. Juarez
06600 Mexico, D.F.
Mexico
Tel: 525-0728 Fax: 525-8070

Asociacion de Agentes Aduanales de Acapulco, Guerrero
Morelos No. 9, Despacho 6 y 7
3300 Acapulco, Guerrero
Mexico
Tel: 2-1997, 3-1870

Asociacion de Agentes Aduanales del Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de Mexico
Av. Revolucion No. 1005
Col. Mixcoac
03910 Mexico, D.F.
Mexico
Tel: 611-2943/8749 Fax: 563-9018

Asocacion de Agentes Aduanales de Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila
Calle Hidalgo No. 375 Oriente
26200 Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila
Mexico
Tel: 2-2753 Fax: 2-2253
See: "Shipping Goods to Mexico: What You Need to Know" - v1.0 96/10, Team Canada, DFAIT, Latin America and Caribbean branch for more information.

National Association of Importers and Exporters of the Mexican Republic
Asociacion Nacional de Importadores y Exportadores de la Republica Mexicana
Monterrey No. 130
Col. Roma
06700 Mexico, D.F.
Mexico
Tel: 564-8618/9218 Fax: 584-5317

Mexican Business Council for International Affairs
Consejo Empresarial Mexicano para Asuntos Internacionales
Homero No. 527, Piso 7
Col. Polanco, 11570 Mexico, D.F.
Mexico
Tel: 250-7033 Fax: 531-1590

Mexican Banks with Offices in Canada

Banco Nacional de Mexico (Banamex) Banco de Comercio (Bancomer)
1 First Canadian Place The Royal Bank Plaza,
Suite 3430, P.O. Box 299 South Tower, Suite 2915.
Toronto, ON M5X 1C9 P.O. Box 96
Tel: (416) 368-1399 Toronto, ON M5J 2J2
Fax: (416) 367-2543 Tel: (416) 956-4911 Fax: (416) 956-4914
Banca Serfin
BCE Place
Canada Trust Tower
161 Bay Street, Suite 4360
P.O. Box 606
Toronto, ON M5J 2S1
Tel: (416) 360-8900
Fax: (416) 360-1760

Mexico's Central Bank
Banco de Mexico
Tacuba No. 4, Piso 1
Col. Centro
06059 Mexico, D.F.
Mexico
Tel: 512-5817, 237-2378
Fax: 237-2370

Canadian Banks in Mexico

Bank of Montreal
Horacio No. 1855-301
Col. Polanco
11510 Mexico, D.F.
Mexico Mexico
Tel: 203-8211, Fax: 203-8542

Royal Bank of Canada
Hamburgo No. 172, Piso 5
Col. Juarez
06600 Mexico, D.F.
Tel: 207-2400,
Fax: 208-1592

Bank of Nova Scotia
Hamburgo No. 213, Piso 10
Apartado Postal 6-931
Col. Juarez Col. Polanco
06600 Mexico, D.F.
Mexico Mexico
Tel: 256-0622
Fax: 208-7182

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Campos Eliseos No. 400,
Despacho 402
11570 Mexico, D.F.
Tel: 254-7030/7090
Fax: 531-6930

National Bank
Lope de Vega No. 117, Piso 10
Col. Polanco
11540 Mexico, D.F.
Mexico
Tel: 254-7030/7090
Fax: 531-6930

Canadian Associations

Canadian Freight Forwarders Association (CFFA)
Box 929
Streetsville, ON L5M 2C5
Tel: (905) 567-4633
Fax: (905) 2716

Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB)
111 York Street
Ottawa, ON K1N 5T4
Tel: (613) 562-3543
Fax: (613) 562-3548

The Canadian Trucking Association
130 Slater Street
Suite 1025
Ottawa, ON K1P 6E2
Tel: (613) 236-9426

The Canadian Council for the Americas

Executive Offices
145 Richmond Street West
Third Floor
Toronto, ON M5H 2L2
Tel: (416) 367-4313
Fax: (416) 367-5460

Canadian Exporter's Association
99 Bank Street
Suite 250
Ottawa, ON K1P 6B9
Tel: (613) 238-8888
Fax: (613-563-9218

Mexican Official Standard NOM-006-FITO-1996,
Establishing the Minimum General Requirements for Importing Vegetable
Products and Vegetable Byproducts Not Already Covered by

A Specific Mexican Standard
MANDATORY OFFICIAL STANDARD

Official Gazette
Monday, 26 February 1996

Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development

RE: Mexican Official Standard NOM-006-FITO-1996 establishing the minimum general requirements for importing vegetable products and vegetable byproducts not already covered by a specific Mexican Standard.

At the margin: the National Seal with the inscription, "United Mexican States--Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development."

Mexican Official Standard NOM-006-FITO-1996,
Establishing the Minimum General Requirements for Importing Vegetable
Products and Vegetable Byproducts Not Already Covered by
A Specific Mexican Standard

Roberto Zavala Echavarria, Director, Legal Department, Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development, with reference to Articles 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 (Sections XIII and XVIII), Article 19 (Section I, Clause 'c' and Section IV), Articles 24, 25, 30, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57, 58, and 60 of the Plant Safety Act; Article 38 (Section II), 40, 41, 43 and 47 (Section IV) of the Metrology and Standardization Act; Article 35 (Section IV) of the Public Administration Act; Article 10 (Section V) of the Regulations Governing the Secretary of Agriculture and Aquatic Resources; and

WHEREAS

-- National agricultural production has incurred crop losses as a direct result of the introduction of pathogenic organisms such as golden nematode (Globodera rostochiensis), whitefly (Bernisia argentifolii), karnal bunt (Tilletia indica), citrus melanose, and chrysanthemum white rust (Puccinia horiana), among others, and that this introduction of foreign pests into Mexican territory is entirely avoidable;

-- Controlling such pests has required the deployment of considerable human and financial resources;

-- The foregoing observations point to the appropriate use of phytosanitary measures to control such infestations, said measures being applied to vegetable products and vegetable byproducts by establishing specific phytosanitary requirements for each product and its country of origin;

-- When no specific requirements for a product have been set out, the appropriate risk analysis must be carried out to assess the presence of a suspected pathogen;

-- In order to attain the objectives set out in the foregoing paragraphs, a Draft Mexican Official Standard NOM-006-FITO-1996 entitled "A Standard Establishing the Minimum General Requirements for Importing Vegetable Products and Vegetable Byproducts Not Already Covered by a Specific Mexican Standard" was published in the Official Gazette on 2 August 1995 in accordance with the process set out in Article 45, 46, and 47 of the Metrology and Standardization Act, and that on January 30th of this year the responses to the commentaries received concerning this Draft were also published;

-- Having followed the appropriate legal procedures, a number of elements in the Draft proposals being duly modified, that therefore the present Mexican Official Standard is officially issued as NOM-006-FITO-1996, "A Standard Establishing the Minimum General Requirements for Importing Vegetable Products and Vegetable Byproducts Not Already Covered by a Specific Mexican Standard."

CONTENTS

1. Objectives and Field of Application

2. References

3. Definitions

4. Specifications

5. Compliance

6. Penalties

7. Bibliography

8. Agreement with International Standards

9. Transitional Dispositions

1. Objectives and Field of Application

The objective of this Mexican Official Standard is to establish official general guidelines for importing vegetable products and vegetable byproducts, specifically for those products not already covered by a special standard and for which there are no pertinent phytosanitary requirements.

This Standard applies to products covered by official standards and which must comply with phytosanitary requirements before entering the country.

2. References

The following should be consulted for the correct application of this Standard:

Mexican Official Standard (priority status) NOM-EM-005-1994. Quarantine to prevent the introduction and spread of Khapra weevil. Published in the Official Gazette 27 October 1994.

Mexican Official Standard (priority status) NOM-EM-007-1994. Phytosanitary requirements for the importation of propagative materials. Published in the Official Gazette 24 October 1994.  

Mexican Official Standard (priority status) NOM-EM-008-1994. Phytosanitary requirements for the importation of fruits and vegetables for human consumption. Published in the Official Gazette 6 October 1994.

Mexican Official Standard (priority status) NOM-EM-009-1994. Phytosanitary requirements for the importation of cut flowers and green foliage. Published in the Official Gazette 7 October 1994.

Mexican Official Standard (priority status) NOM-EM-010-1994. Quarantine to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases affecting bananas. Published in the Official Gazette 12 October 1994.

Mexican Official Standard (priority status) NOM-EM-011-1994. Quarantine to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases affecting citrus fruits. Published in the Official Gazette 12 October 1994.

Mexican Official Standard (priority status) NOM-EM-012-1994. Quarantine to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases affecting potatoes. Published in the Official Gazette 20 October 1994.

Mexican Official Standard (priority status) NOM-EM-015-1994. Quarantine to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases affecting coconut palms. Published in the Official Gazette 14 October 1994.

Mexican Official Standard (priority status) NOM-EM-016-1994. Quarantine to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases affecting sugar cane. Published in the Official Gazette 17 October 1994.

Mexican Official Standard (priority status) NOM-EM-017-1994. Quarantine to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases affecting wheat. Published in the Official Gazette 21 October 1994.

Mexican Official Standard (priority status) NOM-EM-018-1994. Quarantine to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases affecting corn. Published in the Official Gazette 21 October 1994.

Mexican Official Standard (priority status) NOM-EM-019-1994. Quarantine to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases affecting coffee. Published in the Official Gazette 16 November 1994.

3. Definitions

For the purposes of this Standard, the following definitions will be adhered to:

Pest risk analysis -- a method for identifying quarantine-status pests, the magnitude of their potential damage, and the type of phytosanitary measures available to diminish risks.

Information banks -- bibliographic sources, databases, and national or international scientific or official publications assembling pest inventories or other material of a phytosanitary nature.

Pest -- any vegetable or animal life form, or pathogenic agent, capable of damaging or potentially damaging vegetables.

Quarantined pests -- any potential or identifiable pest capable of affecting a national area in which is not currently present, or if it is present, not widely distributed, and which is therefore officially controlled.

Phytosanitary requirements -- phytosanitary conditions which must be adhered to prior to the entry and movement of vegetable products and vegetable byproducts, as such conditions have been determined through risk analysis.

Secretary -- the Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development, a Mexican Federal Ministry [hereinafter, "SAGAR"].

4. Specifications

In accordance with Article 24 of the Federal Plant Safety Act governing the importation of vegetable products and vegetable byproducts, as set out in a Mexican Official Standard whose phytosanitary requirements are not as yet established by any other specific Mexican Official Standard, the following requirements are hereby established:

4.1 The interested party shall apply to SAGAR requesting information on the phytosanitary requirements specific to the vegetable in question. SAGAR will require the applicant to provide the information appearing in Form CI-02,a copy of which has been attached to this Mexican Official Standard. In the event that SAGAR has no corresponding phytosanitary requirements for the vegetable in question, it will carry out a disease risk analysis. In such a case, the applicant will provide SAGAR with the information appearing in Form CI-03, a copy of which is attached.

4.2 The pest risk analysis carried out by SAGAR will consist of three stages:

4.2.1 The risk analysis -- the information provided by the applicant will be reviewed and compared with data from SAGAR's information banks;

4.2.2 risk assessment -- the product's level of phytosanitary risk will be established, as will the level of protection required for the vegetable when coming into contact with pests to which it is susceptible;

4.2.3 risk management -- the appropriate phytosanitary measures shall be established in order to minimize the product's phytosanitary risk.

4.3 SAGAR shall, within a period not exceeding 120 calendar days, inform the applicant of the appropriate phytosanitary requirements for product entry, or will prohibit importation of the product based on the results of the pest risk analysis.

In the event that SAGAR is able to provide the pertinent phytosanitary requirements without carrying out a risk analysis, it will reply to the applicant within a period of not more than 10 working days.

4.4 In the event that the entry of the product or byproduct in question to Mexico is approved, SAGAR shall provide applicants with the appropriate phytosanitary requirements while these are being incorporated into a pertinent Mexican Official Standard governing the vegetable in question, and will continue to do so until such requirements come into force by virtue of the publication of said Standard in the Official Gazette.

4.5 The phytosanitary requirements should include at least:

The common and scientific name of the product;
tariff catgory;
country of origin;
phytosanitary entry documentation;
required quarantine treatment;
an additional declaration in the Phytosanitary Certificate;
any additional applicable requirements in the country of origin or at the point entry;
the authorized entry Customs for the vegetable product or byproduct in question.

4.6 In the event that SAGAR's response is negative, the competent administrative unit will inform the applicant of the technical reasons for the rejection, which must be well-founded and well-motivated. The applicant may then avail himself of whatever means for proceeding with the issue he may deem appropriate and convenient.

4.7 No natural or legal person shall bring into the country any vegetable product or vegetable byproduct subject to phytosanitary regulations without complying with the phytosanitary requirements for such entry as these may be issued by SAGAR or as they may be published in the Official Gazette as part of a specific Mexican Official Standard.

4.8 Once apprised that the phytosanitary conditions in an exporting country have changed, SAGAR will publish an Emergency Mexican Official Standard which shall prohibit the entry of a specific vegetable product or byproduct, or which shall modify or eliminate specific phytosanitary requirements. Until such time as said Standard is published in the Official Gazette, SAGAR will continue to issue the necessary phytosanitary measures and requirements to avoid phytosanitary risks in accordance with Article 7 (Sections XIII and XIV) of the Plant Safety Act.

5. Compliance

SAGAR shall be responsible for supervising and enforcing compliance with the objectives and dispositions set out in this Standard.

6. Penalties

Any non-compliance with the dispositions set out in the present Standard shall be subject to penalties established by the Plant Safety Act and the Metrology and Standardization Act.

7. Bibiliography

Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms, North American Plant Protection Organization Secretariat, Ottawa, 1991.

8. Agreement with International Standards

The creation and promulgation of this Standard has not included any assessment of its agreement with existing international standards.

9. Transitional Dispositions

The provisions of this Standard shall come into force the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.

Mexico City, 14 February 1996, signed Roberto Zavala Echavarria, Director, Legal Department (SAGAR).

Form CI-02 - Phytosanitary Requirements for Importing Vegetables

Suplementary Declaration: Importation Phytosanitary Requirements

Form CI-03 - Information Required for Pest Risk Analysis For Vegetable Products Entering Mexico

NMX-Y-305-1997-SCFI

Note: the following standards are voluntary.

ANIMAL FEEDS - ALFALFA MEAL - SPECIFICATIONS

PREFACE

The following institutions and organizations participated in developing this Mexican Standard:

 ALIMENTOS CONCENTRADOS, S.A. DE C.V.
 MEXICAN ASSOCIATION OF SPECIALISTS IN ANIMAL NUTRITION
 MEXICAN MANUFACTURERS' ASSOCIATION
 Section 49 - Manufacturers of Balanaced Animal Feeds
 NATIONAL TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS FOR ANIMAL FEEDS
 NORTH AMERICAN FEED GRAINS COUNCIL
 MALTA TEXO, S. A.
 SEMILLAS Y SUBPRODUCTOS ALIMENTICIOS, S.A. DE C.V.
 MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
National Forestry and Agricultural Research Institute (INIFAP)
NATIONAL POULTRY FARMERS' UNION

NMX-Y-305-1997-SCFI

TABLE OF CONTENTS

0   Introduction

1   Purpose and application

2   References

3   Definitions

4   Grading and classification

5    Specifications

6   Sampling

7   Testing methods

8   Labelling

9   Bibliography

10   Concordance with international standards

CDU: 636.086.8
NMX-Y-305-1997-SCFI
CANCELS
NMX-Y-305-1988

ANIMAL FEEDS - ALFALFA MEAL - SPECIFICATIONS

0 INTRODUCTION

Alfalfa is a herbaceous perennial legume with roots that can reach 9 m or longer. It has erect and very branched stems and grows to a height of 60 to 70 cm, its leaves are trifoliate, oblong and oval, flowers are borne in racemes and are abundant, small and can be purple, yellow or white depending on the variety. The mature fruit is a brown, slightly villous coiled legume containing oval-shaped seeds in some species or kidney-shaped seeds in others, with a scar in a broad depression close to the edge in the first variety or with a well-defined incision close to the centre in the second. The fruit varies in colour from greenish-yellow to light brown and measures approximately 1.5 mm. The plant itself is used for fodder and is continually harvested at intervals of about 30 days, depending on climate and growing conditions.

0.1 Forms

Alfalfa may take the following forms:

Dehydrated, it retains its green colour after being dried in a dehydrator, with a maximum moisture of 10 %.

Fresh, it retains its colour and moisture after harvesting, and is therefore a "fresh" product.

0.2 Uses

Alfalfa meal is used as an ingredient in manufacturing feed for all species of animals.

NMX-Y-305-1997-SCFI

1 PURPOSE AND APPLICATION

This Mexican Standard establishes the quality specifications that the alfalfa meal marketed in Mexico and used as an ingredient in animal feed must comply with.

2 REFERENCES

For the correct application of this Standard, the following current Mexican Standards must be consulted:
 

3 DEFINITIONS

For the purposes if this Standard, the following definitions are established:
 

3.1 Alfalfa meal

The powder produced when alfalfa is dehydrated and ground for use as an ingredient in animal feeds. Its final form may be in powder or pellets.

3.2 Alfalfa leaf meal

The powder obtained exclusively from alfalfa leaves by sieves or using the industrial cyclone process, in which the fine powder of the leaves is absorbed.

3.3 Alfalfa stem meal

Made from the residue remaining after screening alfalfa meal.

3.4 Alfalfa whole meal

Obtained by grinding the stem and leaves of the alfalfa plant.

4 GRADING AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE PRODUCT

Alfalfa meal is classified in three grades of quality which are designated according to the type of meal and protein content in the following manner: (see Table 1).

5 SPECIFICATIONS

All three grades of alfalfa meal must comply with the following specifications:

5.1 Organoleptic characteristics

5.1.1 Smell

Typical, free of foreign odours such as: moisture, fermentation, insecticide, rancidness or scorching.

5.1.2 Colour

Green or yellowish-green.

5.2 Screening
 

5.2.1 Alfalfa leaf meal (grade A)

100 % of this meal must pass through 0.850 (No. 10) mesh, in accordance with Mexican Standard NMX-B-231 (see References 2).

5.2.2 Alfalfa whole meal and alfalfa stem meal (grades B and C)

100 % of this meal must pass through 1.18 (No. 16) mesh, in accordance with Mexican Standard NMX-B-231 (see References 2).

NOTES

1- In the manufacture of pellets, the size and consistency must be adjusted according to the animal they are intended for and their resistency must be proportional to the agglutinant used (water, bentonite, molasses or others).

2- This product must be free of adulterations.

5.3 Chemicals

Alfalfa meal must comply with the chemical specifications indicated in Table 1.

6 SAMPLING

6.1 Product sampling may be established by common agreement between buyer and seller. In the absence of such an agreement, following Mexican Standard NMX-Y-111 (see References 2) is recommended.

7 TESTING METHODS

In order to verify the specifications established in this Standard, the Mexican Standards indicated in Chapter 2 of References and the testing methods established below must be applied:

7.1 Determination of xanthophylls in dried plants and balanced feeds - column chromatography.

7.1.1 Basic method

This method relies on photometric determination of the xanthophylls in dried plants and balanced feeds, separated into chromatographical columns.

7.1.2 Reagents and materials

7.1.2.1 Reagents

7.1.2.1.1 Acetone

Anhydrous acetone containing no alcohol. To dehydrate it, filter through 2.00 (No. 10) granulated zinc mesh, in accordance with Mexican Standard NMX-B-231 (see References 2).

7.1.2.1.2 Absorbent I

Mix silica G and diatomaceous earth 1:1 in a blender for 1 - 2 hours.

7.1.2.1.3 Absorbent II

Mix activated magnesium and diatomaceous earth 1:1 in a blender for 1 - 2 hours.

7.1.2.1.4 Eluents

h) Monohydroxy pigments (MHP) (zeinoxanthine, cryptoxanthine), hexane - acetone (90:10).

i) Dihydroxy pigments (DHP) (lutein, zeaxanthine and their isomers), hexane - acetone (80:20).

c) Polyoxy pigments (POP) (violaxanthine, neoxanthine and others).

d) Total xanthophylls (TX), hexane - acetone - methane (80:10:10).

7.1.2.1.5 Hexane

Hexane of high purity or commercial hexane distilled over potassium hydroxide.

7.1.2.1.6 Potassium hydroxide in methanol (KOH) at 40 %

Dissolve 40 g of potassium hydroxide in 60 cm3 of methanol.

7.1.2.1.7 Standard solution

Standard solution of 1 phenylazo - 2 naphthol (sudan I).

7.1.2.1.8 Extracting solution

Hexane - acetone - absolute ethyl alcohol - toluene (10:7:6:7).

7.1.2.1.9 Stock solution 1.0 mM

Recrystallize the hot absolute alcohol stock. Dry the crystals to constant weight in a vaccuum oven at 343 K (70 oC). Dissolve 0.124 1 g in 500 cm3 of the 1:1 acetone - isopropanol solution.

7.1.2.1.10 Working solution 0.04 mM

Dilute 20 cm3 of the stock solution in 500 cm3 of the 1:1 acetone - isopropanol solution. Store in a dark place.

7.1.2.1.11 Sodium sulphate solution (Na₂SO₄) at 10 %

Dissolve 10 g of anhydrous sodium sulphate in100 cm3 of methanol.

NOTE- When water is mentioned or indicated, it must be distilled or demineralized.

7.1.2.1.12 Anhydrous sodium sulphate

7.1.2.2 Materials

Cotton or glass wool
Volumetric flasks
Pipettes
Sieve (number 0.425 (No. 40) mesh, in accordance with Mexican Standard NMX-B-231 (see References 2).
Glass rod
Coolant

7.1.3 Apparatus

Vaccuum filtration apparatus
Analytical balance with an accuracy of 0.01 g
Chromatographic column.- chromotographic column 20 mm in internal diameter by 30 cm long which has an endfitting in the bottom of a tube 10 cm long by 2 mm in internal diameter, so that it enters the neck of a 25 cm3 volumetric flask
Burner

7.1.4 Preparing the sample

Grind the sample so that it passes through the 0.425 (No. 40) sieve, in accordance with Mexican Standard NMX-B-231 (see References 2). Determine the mass (weight) of 2 g of alfalfa meal in a 100 cm3 volumetric flask for reflux.With a pipette, add 30 cm3 of extracting solution to the flask and shake for one minute.

NOTE- For low moisture samples (not air-dried), add 1.0 cm3 of water for each 2 g of the sample to the flask. Cover and shake for 1 min. For high moisture samples (air-dried), do not add water.

7.1.5 Procedure

7.1.5.1 Saponification

There are two types of saponification-extraction (hot and cold), either of which may be used to obtain the same result.

a) Hot saponification

Once the sample indicated in section 7.1.4 is prepared, add 2 cm3 of potassium hydroxide in methanol (KOH) at 40% to the 100 cm3 flask for reflux using a pipette. Shake for 1 min. and put the flask in a 329 K (56ºC) water bath for 20 min.

Connect the coolant or cool the neck of the flask to keep the solvent from evaporating. Cool the sample and leave it in a dark place for one hour. Then add 30 cm3 of hexane to the volumetric flask using a pipette. Shake for 1 min. Calibrate with the sodium sulphate solution at 10% and shake vigorously for 1 min. Leave it in a dark place for 1 hour before chromotography. An aliquot of 50 cm3 is taken from the upper phase, with which the chromatography is carried out.

b) Cold saponification

Add 2 cm3 of potassium hydroxide in methanol (KOH) at 40% to the 100 cm3 volumetric flask for reflux using a pipette. Shake for 1 min. Leave this mixture in a dark place overnight, approximately 16 hours. Add 30 cm3 of hexane to the flask using a pipette. Shake for 1 min. Calibrate with the sodium sulphate solution at 10% and shake vigourously for 1 min. Leave in a dark place for 1 hour before chromatography. An aliquot of 50 cm3 is taken from the upper phase, with which the chromatography is carried out.

7.1.5.2 Chromatography

Place the column on the filter, plug the bottom of the column with cotton or glass wool and add a layer of approximately 12 cm of absorbent I, make a vaccuum and add more absorbent I to get a layer of 7 cm, and level the surface of the column using a glass rod with a straight edge. Then add a 2 cm layer of anhydrous sodium sulphate on top of the absorbent and apply high pressure.

The test sample must be the upper phase of cold or hot extractions.

7.1.5.3 Separation of xanthophylls, monohydroxy pigments(MHP) and dihydroxy pigments (DHP)

NOTE-The xanthophylls and dihydroxy pigments remain in the column after the carotenes are eluted.

MHP

Place a 25 cm3 volumetric flask under the column in the filtrate, add 5 cm3 of the (upper phase) test sample to the column. Add the eluent (a) and apply vaccuum.

The MHP band (zeaxanthine, cryptoxanthine) and some mono or diesters descend the column faster than other bands. When the elusion of the MHP has finished, put the flask in a dark place and allow it to reach room temperature before calibrating with the MHP eluent, and determine the optic density (OD).

DHP (lutein, zeaxanthine and their isomers)

Proceed as described under MHP to elute the DHP (lutein, zeaxanthine and their isomers), using the eluent for DHP to elute the following band, collecting the eluted substance in a 25 cm3 or 50 cm3 volumetric flask. The vioxanthine, neoxanthine and other polyoxy pigments (POP) remain in the column.

When the elusion of the DHP has finished, put the flask in a dark place and allow it to reach room temperature before calibrating with the DHP eluent to 25 cm3 or 50 cm3 and determine the optic density.

NOTE- The bands are eluted in a final volume of less than 25 cm3, then they are calibrated with the specific eluent at a volume of 25 cm3 to 50 cm3.

7.1.5.4 Total xanthophylls

If wishing to determine the value of total xanthophylls, a new aliquot of 5 cm3 must be taken from the top layer of the extract of the test sample. Place it on a 7 cm layer of absorbent II, elute the carotenes with hexane-acetone solution (90:10) and the total xanthophylls with hexane-acetone-methanol solution (80:10:10).

Measure the optic density quickly to avoid isomerizations and auto-oxidation losses.

Before measuring the optic density, the spectrophotometer must be calibrated running the standard working solutions through at 1 nm intervals between 469 nm and 479 nm. When the apparatus shows the maximum absorbency at 474 nm with a diaphragm opening of 0.03 mm, the absorbency readings of the working solutions should be 0.561 with a wavelength of 474 nm and 0.460 with a wavelength of 436 nm. If there are derivations, the the calculations must be corrected according to the following equation:

7.1.5.5 First calibrate the spectrophotometer running the standard working solutions through at 1 nm intervals between 469 nm and 479 nm. If the maximum absorption value of the standard solution is not at 474 nm, the apparatus must be recalibrated. When the apparatus shows the maximum absorption at 474 nm and with a diaphragm opening of 0.03 mm, the absorbency readings of the working solutions should be 0.561 wavelength (474nm) and 0.460 wavelength (436 nm). If there are derivations correct the calculations according to the following equation:

NOTE- If the apparatus does not have a controllable diaphragm it is assumed that the working solution of the colorant has an OD equivalent to 2.38 mg of xanthophylls for 1000 cm3 at a wavelength of 474 nm .

XT (mg/kg) =   A x D x F x 1000  X F.D.

W x 236 x b

where:

236 is the specific absorptivity of translutein, 1/g;

1000 is the transformation factor from g/kg to mg/kg;

A is the absorbency at 474 nm;

b indicates the cell length in cm;

D is the upper organic phase, 50 cm3 ;

F if the correction factor 0.561 (sudan I absorbency at 474 nm);

W is the mass of the sample in g;

F.D. is the dilution factor;

XT indicates the total xanthophylls in mg/kg.

8 LABELLING

For labelling of the product governed by this Standard, consult Mexican Standard NMX-Y-143 (see References 2).

9 BIBLIOGRAPHY
 

10 CONCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

This Standard does not correspond with any international standard at the time of its drafting.

MEXICO CITY
DIRECTOR GENERAL OF STANDARDS.
CARMEN QUINTANILLA MADERO.
MINISTRY OF TRADE
AND
INDUSTRIA DEVELOPMENT
MEXICAN STANDARD
NMX-Y-143-1977

LABELLING ON CONTAINERS OF BALANCED FEEDS AND MAJOR INGREDIENTS FOR ANIMALS

OFFICIAL MEXICAN STANDARD FOR BAGS AND TAGS FOR ANIMAL FEED AND MAJOR INGREDIENTS

STANDARDS DEPARTMENT

PREFACE

The following organizations participated in developing this Standard:

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BALANCED ANIMAL FEED PRODUCERS.

ANIMAL HEALTH DIRECTORATE OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND WATER RESOURCES.

FLAGASA, S.A.

ALBAMEX, S.A. DE C.V.

MEDICINE CONTROL DEPARTMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND WATER RESOURCES.

PURINA, S.A. DE C.V.

MALTA, S.A.

MEXICAN MANUFACTURERS' ASSOCIATION, BALANCED ANIMAL FEED MANUFACTURERS' SECTION.

LA HACIENDA, S.A. DE C.V.

AGRICULTURE DIRECTORATE.

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

INDUSTRIAS MELDER, S.A.

AGRICULTURAL LAND DIRECTORATE. SOILS DEPARTMENT, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND WATER RESOURCES.

ANDERSON CLAYTON, S.A.

PRODUCTOS API-ABA, S.A.

STATE COMMODITY MARKETING COMPANY.

VITAMINAS Y MINERALES COMPLEMENTARIOS, S.A.

LABELLING OF PACKAGES OF BALANCED ANIMAL FEEDS
AND MAJOR INGREDIENTS

OFFICIAL MEXICAN STANDARD FOR BAGS AND TAGS
FOR ANIMAL FEED AND MAJOR INGREDIENTS

1.  PURPOSE AND APPLICATION

The purpose of labelling is to help consumers make informed choices when selecting animal feeds and major ingredients, by providing useful and accurate information in the form of written instructions, illustrations and standardized descriptions on packaging.

2. SCOPE

This Standard establishes the principles and terminology that must be applied in labelling balanced animal feeds and major ingredients.

3. DEFINITIONS

3.1 Label.-

"Label" means any tag, label, inscription, mark, image or other descriptive or graphic material, whether printed, marked or photogravured on or affixed to a package containing feed and major ingredients and which must contain the following points:

a) Commercial name of the product.- This may be generic (e.g. chicken feed) or a specific brand, provided that it coincides with the corresponding official registration. This name must be located in the upper part of the front label panel as well as the lower part (so that the name is always visible even when the label is reversed).

b) Registration number with the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources and designation of the corresponding Standard.- These numbers must coincide exactly with those appearing in the respective registration, and they must be located immediately below the name of the product.

c) The words "net content" followed by the expression in metric units. All of this information must be placed in a visible area.

d) Trade name and address of the producer. Including other information such as the producer's telephone number, post office box, etc. is optional.

e) The words "guaranteed analysis" expressed in percentage of reference in the following order and in accordance with the product's standard.

Moisture Protein
Fat
Fibre
Ash
Nitrogen-free extract
Calcium
Phosphorus

f) Additional guarantees in accordance with the product's standard and others the producer wishes to include that are so indicated in the respective registrations.

g) Ingredients: Indicate ingredients used, without using commercial names, abbreviations or chemical symbols, in the following order:

1.- Major ingredients

2.- Vitamins

3.- Minerals - trace minerals and macro elements

4.- Additives

1) Major ingredients may be included in generic groups such as:

Ground cereals.- This refers to the use of sorghum and/or corn, millet and/or wheat, etc.

Combination of ground oil-seed pastes.- This includes the use of pastes made of cotton and/or soya and/or sesame and/or safflower seeds, etc.

Meal of animal origen.- This includes meal made from fish and/or meat and bone and/or blood, etc.

Cereal byproducts.- This includes wheat bran, wheat middlings, wheat gluten, etc.

Agricultural and industrial food byproducts.- This group includes ingredients such as dried citrus pulp, cotton and soya husk, baking and brewing byproducts, ground corn cob, etc.

Those that can not be classified within the above groups such as dehydrated alfalfa meal, cane sugar molasses, dried whey, etc. shall be noted below.

2) Vitamins.- This group is listed below in alphabetical order:

Vitamin A

Vitamin B Complex

Thiamine

Riboflavin

Pyridoxine

Niacin

Choline Chloride

Vitamin B-12

Calcium Pantothenate

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

3) Minerals.- These have been divided into two important groups: major elements and minor elements (trace minerals).

Major elements are:

Calcium, chlorine, phosphorus and sodium

Minor elements are:

Copper, iron, potassium, zinc, etc.

These elements must be expressed numerically in alphabetical order.

4) Additives.- When an additive is present for nutritional purposes only or to enhance the nutritional effect of the feed, it must be mentioned as a generic group (antibiotic, antioxidant, flavour, etc.); but when it is at preventative and therapuetic levels, it must be specifically recorded both qualitatively and quantitatively in grams of active ingredient per ton and using the product's technical name.

In the case of coccidiostats, the words "coccidiostat at the preventative level" must be included.

h) Instructions for use must be clear and precise, including purpose and indications.

i) Restrictions on use.- As required.

j) Domestic products must always bear the legend "MADE IN MEXICO", and labels on imported products must include the words "MADE IN...and distributed in Mexico by..."

k) The words "consult a veterinarian" must be displayed.

Date of manufacture.- This code must be easy for the user to interpret.

m) Lot number expressed in the format used by the manufacturer.

n) Expiry date.- Applicable only to medicated feeds, it shall be determined by the manufacturer according to the ingredient with the earliest expiry date.

Mexico City, September 2, 1977
DIRECTOR GENERAL

DR. ROMAN SERRA CASTAÑOS.

DR. ROMAN SERRA CASTAÑOS.
Date of approval and publication: Septiembre 6, 1977

NOM-043-FITO-1999

Official Mexican Standard NOM-043-FITO-1999, Specifications for preventing the introduction of quarantinable weeds into Mexico.

Go to Index

At the margin is a seal with the National Coat of Arms, which says: United Mexican States.- Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development.

OFFICIAL MEXICAN STANDARD NOM-043-FITO-1999, SPECIFICATIONS FOR PREVENTING THE INTRODUCTION OF QUARANTINABLE WEEDS INTO MEXICO.

JORGE MORENO COLLADO, Director General of Legal Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development, based on Articles 35.4 of the Organic Law of the Federal Public Administration; 1, 2 , 3 , 6, 7.13 and 7.18, 19.1, subsections e), 30, 51, 54, 55, 60, 65, 66 and 70 of the Federal Plant Health Law; 1, 38.2, 40.1, 41, 43 and 47 of the Federal Law on Standards and Metrology, and 12.29 and 12.30 of the Internal Regulations of this office, and

CONSIDERING

That it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development to prevent the introduction, establishment and spread of plant pests and to exercise phytosanitary control over importation, exportation and transportation of plants, their products or byproducts and causal agents of plant health problems.

That in order to achieve the objectives indicated in the above paragraph, the Draft Official Mexican Standard NOM-043-FITO-1995, called "Establishment of Plant Health Requirements and Specifications for Regulating Noxious Weeds", was published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación on November 3, 1995, initiating the process referred to in Articles 45, 46 and 47 of the Federal Law on Standards and Metrology, through which the responses to comments received regarding this Draft were published on December 2, 1999.

That by virtue of the legal procedure indicated above, various points were amended as deemed advisable, resulting in the issuance of this

OFFICIAL MEXICAN STANDARD NOM-043-FITO-1999, SPECIFICATIONS FOR PREVENTING THE INTRODUCTION OF QUARANTINABLE WEEDS INTO MEXICO

INDEX

1. References
2. Definitions
3. Specifications
4. Observance of the Standard
5. Penalties
6. Bibliography

The purpose of this Official Mexican Standard is to establish specifications for preventing the introduction and possible establishment and spread of quarantinable weeds.

These provisions are applicable to:

a) Species of weeds contained in point 4.1 of this Standard;

b) Plants, their products and unprocessed byproducts;

c) Materials and equipment used as packing or wrapping;

d) Production areas, assembling points and marketers of grains and/or agricultural seeds susceptible to being carriers of quarantinable weeds that may have entered Mexico and vehicles used for their domestic and international transportation

1. References

For the correct application of this Standard it is necessary to consult the following Official Mexican Standards:

As well as others that the Ministry may issue to regulate plants, their products and byproducts susceptible to being carriers of noxious weeds.

2. Definitions

For the purposes of this Standard;

2.1. "Risk analysis" means the the determination of quarantinable pests and the magnitude of their potential damage, as well as plant health measures that may be taken to diminish the risk of their introduction into Mexico.

2.2. "Storage under owner's responsibility" [Guarda-custodia y responsabilidad] means the storage of a lot, shipment or imported material by its owner or shipper, in a place determined by him or by the Ministry, under prohibition of movement, use or sale until its harmlessness is proven.

2.3. "Noxious weed" means plant species or parts thereof that may be injurious to public health, crops, livestock or agriculture in a determined place and time.

2.4. "Quarantinable weed" means a weed that is not present in Mexico or, if present, is contained within a localized area and officially regulated.

2.5. "Plant product" means organs or useful parts of plants that by their nature or that of their production, manufacture, sale or transportation may create a danger of propagating pests.

2.6. "Ministry" means the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development.

2.7. "Seed or botanical seed" means the seed obtained from the fruit after the flower is fertilized which is designated for seed planting.

2.8. "Plant byproduct" means a thing derived from a plant product whose processing or manufacture does not ensure pest-free plant health quality.

2.9. "Plants" means agricultural, forest and wild plant species.

2.10. "Verification" means visual examination or proof through sampling and laboratory analysis, in compliance with Official Mexican Standards and demonstrated by issuing a certificate.

4. Specifications

3.1. Plants, their products and byproducts intended for importation into the country which are subject to compliance with (an)other Official Mexican Standard(s), independently of the requirements indicated in the same, must be free of the following species of noxious weeds:

3.2. In the event that a noxious weed is detected, at the point of entry into Mexico officials shall send the sample to a test laboratory approved by the Ministry, allowing the entry of the product under the "storage under the owner's responsibility" procedure. The test laboratory shall identify the noxious weed and notify the Ministry. In the event that it is a noxious weed not covered in point 4.1, the Ministry shall assess the plant health risk within a period of no more than thirty days and issue or deny clearance of the product as the case warrants. In the event of denial, the noxious weed shall be included in point 4.1 of this Standard as a new noxious weed.

3.3. When an individual applies to import a plant using the List of Requirements form and the Ministry determines that the plant in question could harbour a noxious weed not covered in point 4.1, depending on the product and country of origin, the Ministry shall request information in order to carry out a risk analysis in accordance with the form SV 10. If a plant health risk is deemed to be present, authorization shall be denied and the noxious weed will be added to the list under point 4.1 of this Standard.

3.4. The entry of species of noxious weeds into Mexico for research purposes may be requested in accordance with the provisions of Official Mexican Standard NOM-006-FITO-1995, as well as other related Official Standards issued by the Ministry for these purposes.

3.5. The Ministry may at any time order the inspection of fields, means of transportation, assembling points and businesses selling grains and/or agricultural seeds in order to verify that the plants, their products and byproducts are free from noxious weeds indicated in point 4.1 of this Standard. Likewise, the Ministry may, at any time and place and without liability of any kind, suspend or revoke phytosanitary certificates that it may have issued and apply the necessary plant health measures when the existence of a supervening plant health risk is detected.

3.6. The inspection procedure and application of plant health measures, including verification of origin, shall be carried out in accordance with the specifications of the corresponding Official Standards and other plant health provisions issued by the Ministry.

4. Observance of the Standard

The Ministry, through its officials responsible for plant health inspection in ports, airports and borders, as well as in the states, shall monitor compliance with the stipulations of this Standard.

5. Penalties

Failure to comply with the provisions of this Standard shall be punishable in accordance with the Federal Plant Health Act and the Federal Law on Standards and Metrology.

Return.....

6. Bibliography

Análisis de Riesgo de Plagas. 1992. SARH. México.

Anderson, R.L. 1993. Jointed Goat Grass (Aegilops cylindrica) Ecology and Interference in Winter Wheat. Weed Science 41:388-393.

Dewey, S.A., Torell, J. M. 1991. What is a Noxious Weed. In: Noxious Range Weeds. James, L.F., Evans, J.O., Ralphs, M.H., Child, R.D. Eds. Westview Press, Oxford. pp 1-4.

Elli, R.H., Roberts, E.M. and Whitehead, J. 1980. A new More Economic and Accurate Approach to Monitoring the Viability of Accesions During Storage in Seed Banks. Plant Genetic Resources Newsletter. 41:3-A.

Holm, L.G., J.V. Pancho, J.P. Herberger., D.L. Plucknett. 1979. A Geographical Atlas of World Weeds. A Wiley-Interscience Publication. 391 p.

Scott, E. 1981. The Bulk Search. Prohibited and Restricted Weeds. Proc. Aust. Dev. Asst. Course on Preservation of Stored Cereals. pp. 1012-1015.

NOM-044-FITO-1995

OFFICIAL MEXICAN STANDARD NOM-044-FITO-1995, ESTABLISHMENT OF PLANT HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR IMPORTING NUTS AND PROCESSED AND DEHYDRATED PLANT PRODUCTS AND BYPRODUCTS

JORGE MORENO COLLADO, Director General of Legal Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development, based on Articles 1, 2, 3, 6, 7.13, 7.18, 19.1(e), 19.4, 24, 25, 30, 51, 52, 54, 55, 57, 58 and 60 of the Federal Plant Health Act; Articles 38.2, 40, 41 and 47.4 of the Federal Law on Standards and Metrology; Article 35.4 of the Organic Law of the Federal Public Administration, Article 12.29 and 12.30 of the Interior Regulations of this office, and

CONSIDERING

That it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development to prevent the introduction into the country of plant pests and to exercise phytosanitary control over the importation and exportation of plants, their products and byproducts and causal agents of plant health problems.

That one of the most important aspects of plant production is plant health, as it is vital to the good quality of nuts and processed and dehydrated plant products and byproducts in both domestic production and importation. Pests associated with these plant products may present a high risk for the national economy. Nuts and processed and dehydrated plant products and byproducts entering the country may be carriers of quarantinable pests that do not exist in Mexico or are confined to restricted areas, such as the khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium), chestnut moth (Cydia splendana), pecan weevil (Curculio caryae) and other quarantinable pests.

That because the majority of plant health problems are difficult to detect in plant material imported from other countries during inspection at international animal and plant health inspection points, it is necessary to establish plant health requirements that regulate the importation of nuts and processed and dehydrated plant products and byproducts in order to prevent the introduction, establishment and spread of exotic pests that may put domestic agriculture at risk.

That to avoid the introduction of pests of plants, their products and byproducts, it is essential to add a second paragraph to point 4.4 stating, "All individuals or legal entities are prohibited from importing any quantity of regulated products that do not comply with the plant health provisions established in this Standard."

That for better understanding of this Standard, the definition of "storage under owner's responsibility" [guarda-custodia] is added, which is stated in the body of the Standard, and the definition of quarantinable pest is amended in accordance with the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and NAPPO (National Association of Plant Patent Owners) definition, as is the definition of plant health requirement.

That in terms of the provisions of Article 51 of the Federal Law on Standards and Metrology, and to facilitate trade in nuts in shell from Texas, U.S.A., Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila is included as a customs point of entry in requirement M053 (M107 of the draft), as well as for Persian walnuts (Juglans regia). These modifications do not alter the technical content of the draft. Likewise, as it is not under the Ministry's authority, the text relating to sampling for analysis of pesticide residues is eliminated, as is everything related to this subject, and the numbering is continued.

That to avoid the introduction of pests of plants, their products and byproducts and given that there is no information regarding the absence of Trogoderma granarium in South Africa, it is essential to amend requirement M072 of this Standard, indicating that the product must be free of this pest.

That it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development to develop, apply and issue necessary plant health provisions and measures, as well as to verify and certify compliance, and therefore it is necessary to modify point 4.4, paragraph 5 of this Standard.

That in accordance with the provisions of Article 91 of the Federal Law on Standards and Metrology, when laboratory tests are required to prove compliance with an Official Mexican Standard, the tests shall be performed only in laboratories approved according to the corresponding guidelines published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development. Costs arising from assessments of compliance shall be the responsibility of the individual for whom the tests are performed. This situation is provided for in point 4.2 of this Official Mexican Standard.

That to maintain an effective level of protection of the agricultural sector, it is necessary to include in point 4.1 packing or wrapping material containing regulated products, as these may carry pests that are quarantinable in Mexico.

That under the terms of Article 60 of the Federal Plant Health Act, sampling and the "storage under owner's responsibility" procedure are essential requirements, for both importation and reexportation of plants, their products and byproducts to Mexico. These matters are included in points 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 of this Standard, in accordance with the respective guidelines issued by the Ministry. Sampling of chestnuts and nuts in shell is added to requirements M023, M024 and M025 and sampling to determine the content of noxious weeds is added to requirements M001 and M054. This also applies to requirements that indicate that the product must be free of Trogoderma granarium or those that indicate tolerances for the presence of non-quarantinable pests. These changes are made so that this Standard is in concordance with the requirements currently issued through plant health requirement sheets.

That because the possibility exists that quarantinable pests may enter Mexico in processed, dehydrated or dried plant products contained in bags, cans or bottles, point 4.2.3 is amended, indicating that vessels containing the product must be hermetically sealed when they are inspected, and in the event that quarantinable pests are detected, the provisions of Article 30 of the Federal Plant Health Act shall apply.

That in order to avoid problems that importers may face and so that they are aware of the specifications of this Standard, point 9, Transitory Provisions, is amended. This Standard shall come into force 15 days after its publication in the Diario Oficial de la Federación.

That to achieve the objectives stated in the above paragraphs, the Draft Official Mexican Standard NOM-044-FITO-1995 was published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación on October 30, 1995, establishing the plant health requirements and specifications for the importation of nuts and processed and dehydrated vegetable products and byproducts. This initiated the process referred to in Articles 45, 46 and 47 of the Federal Law on Standards and Metrology, and on November 14, 1997, replies to comments received regarding the draft were published.

That as a result of the legal procedure indicated above, various points were amended as deemed advisable and are duly incorporated in this

OFFICIAL MEXICAN STANDARD NOM-044-FITO-1995, ESTABLISHMENT OF PLANT HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR IMPORTING NUTS AND PROCESSED AND DEHYDRATED PLANT PRODUCTS AND BYPRODUCTS

INDEX

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

2. REFERENCES

3. DEFINITIONS

4. SPECIFICATIONS

5. OBSERVANCE OF THE STANDARD

6. PENALTIES

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY

8. CONCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

9. TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The purpose of this Official Mexican Standard is to establish plant health requirements for the importation of processed, dehydrated or dried plant products to prevent the introduction of quarantinable pests.

The provisions of this Standard are applicable to the products and byproducts listed in section 4.1, as well as plant products and byproducts used as packing or wrapping of these products.

2. REFERENCES

For the correct application of this Standard it is necessary to consult the following Official Mexican Standards:

Official Mexican Standard NOM-005-FITO-1995, Establishment of the exterior quarantine to prevent the introduction of the khapra beetle.
Published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación July 4, 1996.

Official Mexican Standard NOM-006-FITO-1996, Establishment of the minimum requirements applicable to general conditions that plants, their products and byproducts to be imported must comply with when these are not established in a specific Official Standard.
Published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación February 26, 1996.

Official Mexican Standard NOM-010-FITO-1995, Establishment of the exterior quarantine to prevent the introduction of banana pests.
Published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación November 18, 1996.

Official Mexican Standard NOM-011-FITO-1995, Establishment of the exterior quarantine to prevent the introduction of citrus pests.
Published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación September 24, 1996.

Official Mexican Standard NOM-012-FITO-1995, Establishment of the exterior quarantine to prevent the introduction of potato pests.
Published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación February 13, 1996.

Official Mexican Standard NOM-015-FITO-1995, Establishment of the exterior quarantine to prevent the introduction of coconut pests.
Published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación April 22, 1997.

Official Mexican Standard NOM-019-FITO-1995, Establishment of the exterior quarantine to prevent the introduction of coffee pests.
Published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación December 10, 1996.

The current agreement that establishes the classification and codification of goods whose importation is subject to regulation by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development.
Published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación

3. DEFINITIONS

For  the purposes of this Standard:

3.1 "Pest risk analysis" means the assessment of quarantinable pests and the magnitude of potential harm, as well as the type of plant health measures that must be taken to diminish the risk.

3.2 "International Phytosanitary Certificate" means the document designed in accordance with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) model certificate and its 1979 amendments, which certifies the plant health status of the shipment it refers to.

3.3 "CICOPLAFEST" means the Interministerial Commission for the Control of Production and Use of Pesticides, Fertilizers and Toxic Substances.

3.4 "Storage under owner's responsibility" means the storage of a lot, shipment or imported material by its owner or shipper, in a place determined by him or by the Ministry, under prohibition of movement, use or sale until its harmlessness is proven.

3.5 "Direct importation" means the movement of a good from the country of origin to the destination without entering another country or entering another country only for transit and the good is not divided, stored or repacked.

3.6 "Non-quarantinable pest" means a pest that is not considered quarantinable, but its presence in or damage to a plant product or byproduct affects the quality of the same.

3.7 "Quarantinable pest" means a pest of potential economic importance to a country or determined area which is not present or, if present, is not widespread and is under official control.

3.8 "Frozen product" means a plant product that has been cooled by artificial means at temperatures below 0 C.

3.9 "Dehydrated product" means a plant product that has had the combined water of its tissues progressively removed.

3.10 "Processed product" means a product derived from plants which has experienced a transformation or industrial process of some kind and is susceptible to carrying quarantinable pests.

3.11 "Dried product" means a plant product that has been dried naturally, conserving minimal quantities of water within.

3.12 "Plant product" means organs or useful parts of plants that by their nature or that of their production, processing, sale or transportation may create a risk of pest propagation.

3.13 "Denial" means action by which the Ministry refuses entry into Mexico of a plant product that does not comply with established plant health conditions.

3.14 "Reexportation" means a procedure under which a country exports a shipment of a plant product that has been divided, stored or repacked within its territory which originated in a different country.

3.15 "Plant health requirement" means plant health conditions required to allow the entrance and movement of plants, their products and byproducts, which are determined by technical inspections or pest risk analysis.

3.16 "Ministry" means the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development.

3.17 "Plant byproduct" means a thing derived from a plant product whose production or processing does not ensure its plant health quality.

4. SPECIFICATIONS

4.1 Regulated products

This Standard covers the following processed, dehydrated or dried plant products susceptible to transporting quarantinable pests during their importation or reexportation to Mexico:

Dried flowers and buds, undyed and unscented; foliage, leaves, branches and other parts of plants without dried flowers or buds, undyed and unscented non-forest species only; dried coconuts, including without husk or shelled; Brazil nuts in shell; cashew nuts in shell; almonds in shell; hazelnuts in shell; walnuts in shell; chestnuts (Castania spp); fresh pistachios; dried pistachios; dried bananas or plantains; dried pineapples; dried avocados; dried guavas, mangos and mangosteens; dried mandarins (including tangerines and satsumas), clementines, wilkins and similar citrus hybrids; dried lemons (Citrus limon and Citrus limonum) and limes (Citrus aurantifolia); dried grapefruits; other dried citrus fruits; undecaffeinated roasted coffee in bulk or in bags; decaffeinated unroasted coffee; decaffeinated roasted coffee in bulk or in bags; coffee husks; other coffee substitutes containing any proportion of coffee; dried Anaheim or ancho chiles, whole or sliced; other dried chiles, whole or sliced; copra; palm nuts and kernels; kernels and pits of apricot (damsons, apricots), peaches or plums; straw or rough grain husks, chopped, ground or compressed (except in pellets); dried alfalfa; other dried fodder plants; roasted cocoa beans, whole or chopped; cocoa husks, pulp and other residues; cotton husk; poultry feed consisting of mixes of crushed seeds in bulk; tobacco for wrapping; raw or unprocessed tobacco; blonde, Burley or Virginia tobacco; other tobaccos totally or partially deveined; tobacco waste; uncarded or uncombed cotton (fibre) with seed; uncarded or uncombed cotton (fibre) without seed; other uncarded or uncombed cotton products; cotton fluff; new and used sacks and bags for packing made of jute and other liber textile fibres, as well as packing or wrapping material containing them.

4.2 Importation

All imports of the plant products and byproducts indicated in points 4.1, 4.2.1 and 4.2.2, as well as plant products or byproducts used as packing or wrapping material of the same, must comply with the plant health requirements by species and country of origin listed below for each or by country of shipment in the case of reexportation to Mexico.

Samples shall be sent to a laboratory of the interested party's choosing, provided it has been approved under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development guidelines. Costs shall be covered by the importer in terms of the provisions of Article 91 of the Federal Law on Standards and Metrology.

4.2.1 Requirements for the direct importation of processed, dehydrated and dried plant products

The plant health requirements for the importation of plant products and byproducts included in section 4.1 that are listed below by species and country of origin are:

a) International Phytosanitary Certificate that indicates where the product was produced.

b) Plant health inspection at the point of entry into the country.

c) In the event that pests are detected or an additional requirement is indicated, sampling shall be done for plant health analysis.

d) Leaving shipments of sampled products under the "storage under owner's responsibility" procedure, based on the detection of pests during inspection or when an additional requirement is indicated, until the corresponding certificate is issued.

e) Additional requirements that must be complied with in each case and listed below

4.2.2 Requirements for the reexportation of processed, dehydrated or dried plant products to Mexico

The plant health requirements for reexporting processed, dehydrated or dried plant products to Mexico contained in section 4.1 which are listed below by species, country of origin and country of shipment are:

a) Copy of the International Phytosanitary Certificate from the country of origin indicating where the product was produced.

b) Certificate of Reexportation issued by the Department or Ministry of Agriculture of the country of shipment.

c) Plant health inspection upon entering the country.

d) In the event that pests are detected or if indicated in the additional requirement, sampling shall be done for plant health analysis.

e) Leaving shipments of sampled products under the "storage under owner's responsibility" procedure based on the detection of pests during inspection, or when indicated in the additional requirement, until the corresponding certificate is issued.

f) As well as the additional requirements that must be complied with in each case and that are listed below:

The entry of processed, dehydrated and dried plant products for reexportation to Mexico is permitted at all customs points that have international plant health inspection facilities.

4.2.3 Packing of products

In the case of reexportation, processed, dehydrated or dried plant products contained in bags, cans or bottles that are hermetically sealed when inspected do not require an International Phytosanitary Certificate or copy thereof, nor do they require the application of the plant health treatment mentioned in the additional requirements of points 4.2.1 and 4.2.2. However, if quarantinable pests are detected in this type of packing or containers the provisions of Article 30 of the Federal Plant Health Act shall apply.

4.3 Fumigation treatment

The fumigation treatments described below shall be applied at the points of entry into Mexico to products to be imported, based on the additional requirements indicated in points 4.2.1 and 4.2.2, for each of the following:

A) TREATMENT: T101(t1) METHYL BROMIDE AT NORMAL ATOMOSPHERIC PRESSURE, IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE OR PLASTIC SHEETING .

B) REATMENT: T101(u1) METHYL BROMIDE IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE UNDER A 660 mm VACUUM.

C) TREATMENT: T101(e2) METHYL BROMIDE IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE UNDER A 38 mm VACUUM.

D) TREATMENT: T301(a1)a, METHYL BROMIDE AT NORMAL ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE

 E) TREATMENT: T301(a1) b, METHYL BROMIDE IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE UNDER A 660 mm VACUUM

F) TREATMENT: T301(a1) c, METHYL BROMIDE AT NORMAL ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE IN PLASTIC SHEETING.

G) TREATMENT: T301(a1) d, METHYL BROMIDE AT NORMAL ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE IN PLASTIC SHEETING.

H)TREATMENT: T301(b1)a, METHYL BROMIDE AT NORMAL ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE OR PLASTIC SHEETING

I) TREATMENT: T301(b1)b, METHYL BROMIDE AT NORMAL ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE OR PLASTIC SHEETING.

J) TREATMENT: T302(d1) METHYL BROMIDE AT NORMAL ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE OR PLASTIC SHEETING

K) TREATMENT: T302(d2) METHYL BROMIDE IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE UNDER A 660 mm VACUUM.

L) TREATMENT: T306(d1), METHYL BROMIDE AT NORMAL ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE OR PLASTIC SHEETING

M) TREATMENT: T306(d2), METHYL BROMIDE IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE UNDER A 660 mm VACUUM

N) TREATMENT: TFA PHOSPHIDE AT NORMAL ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE

4.4 General provisions

For the importation of products not listed in this Standard by species and country of origin, the importer must adhere to the provisions of Official Mexican Standard NOM-006-FITO-1996, Establishment of the minimum requirements applicable to general conditions that plants, their products and byproducts to be imported must comply with when these are not established in a specific Official Standard, or Article 3 of the current agreement establishing the classification and codification of goods whose importation is subject to regulation by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development.

All individuals or legal entities are prohibited from importing any quantity of regulated products that do not comply with the plant health provisions established in this Standard.

Upon knowledge of a change in an exporting country's plant health conditions, the Ministry must publish an emergency Official Mexican Standard prohibiting importation or amending plant health requirements.

When it is proven that products regulated by this Standard do not comply with their respective plant health requirements, the provisions of Article 30 of the Federal Plant Health Act shall apply.

Independent of points 4.2.1, 4.2.2 and 5, once a Phytosanitary Certificate of Importation is obtained and the product enters the country, the Ministry, under Article 55 of the Federal Plant Health Act, may randomly verify and inspect plants, their products and byproducts, transport vehicles, packing, machinery and equipment to prove compliance with this Official Standard. The Ministry has the authority to suspend or revoke, at any time and place and without any liability, phytosanitary certificates that may have been issued, and to apply the necessary plant health measures when the existence of any supervening plant health risk is detected.

5. OBSERVANCE OF THE STANDARDS

The verification and certification of this Standard shall be performed by official personnel responsible for plant health inspection in ports, airports and borders. Official personnel shall issue phytosanitary certificates of importation for regulated products clearing them for entry into Mexico provided that they comply with the stipulations of this Standard.

6. PENALTIES

Failure to comply with the provisions of this Standard shall be punishable in accordance with the Federal Plant Health Act and the Federal Law on Standards and Metrology.

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Berg, G. H. 1989. La Cuarentena Vegetal: Teoría y Práctica. Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria. Edición Española. San Salvador, El Salvador.

Foott. W. H y P. C. Timmins. 1984. Ocurrence of the Pecan Weevil, Curculio caryae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Persian Walnut, Juglans regia. Can. Entomol. 116: 107.

NAPPO/FAO. 1996 Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms. NAPPO Secretariat. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. 1996.

SARH/DGSV. 1994. Guía de Tratamientos Cuarentenarios.

8. CONCORDANCE WITH  INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

This Standard is not in concordance with international standards or recommendations at the time of its drafting.

9. TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

This Official Mexican Standard shall come into force 15 days after its publication in the Diario Oficial de la Federación.

"A real vote, not reelection."

Mexico City, March 19, 1999.- Director General of Legal Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development, Jorge Moreno Collado.- Signature.