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FSIS Export Library Updates

May 2013

April 2013

  • Poultry of Canadian Origin Destined for Japan – Documentation requirements have been updated for poultry products of Canadian origin that are imported into the United States and re-exported to Japan.
  • Poultry Eligible for Mauritius – Fresh/frozen U.S. poultry and poultry products are now eligible for export to Mauritius, an island nation east of Madagascar.
  • China Delists Five Poultry Plants – The Export Library for China has been updated to reflect the delisting of five U.S. poultry plants, effective Friday, April 19. Industry sources have informed USMEF that China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) has raised questions about five additional poultry plants but did not suspend imports from these facilities. These actions come at a time when China’s domestic poultry market is severely struggling due to weak demand and high-profile animal health and food safety issues.
  • Processed Beef, Pork Products Destined for Chile – An update to the Export Library for Chile clarifies that processed beef and pork products are eligible for this market. Exporters serving Chile should take note of the processed meats letterhead certificate and the guidance document for completing this letterhead certificate, which are included in this Export Library update.
  • Documentation Requirements for Pork to Korea – The Export Library for South Korea has been updated with regard to certification requirements for pork. Effective July 1, 2013, the revised FSIS Form 9305-5 must be used. References to some diseases have been removed from the new form, but the primary change is the addition of this section on Aujeszky’s disease:

    The pigs from which the meat and meat products were derived were sourced from zones not under official restrictions due to Aujeszky’s disease and from premises where there has been no evidence of Aujeszky’s disease in pigs for one year prior to slaughter.
  • Mexico Plant List – The eligible plant list has been updated for Mexico.
  • Hog Casings Ineligible for Argentina – Hog casings have been added to the ineligible products list for Argentina, which already included all fresh/frozen pork and pork products. The only eligible products still listed for Argentina are pork pancreas glands for pharmaceutical use.
  • Wild Boar Eligible for Hong Kong – Wild boar has been added to the list of meat products eligible for export to Hong Kong. Interested suppliers should take note of the documentation requirements specific to wild boar meat, such as the inclusion of the scientific name (Sus scrofa) in the Remarks section.
  • Minor Updates to Japan Beef Requirements – Several sections of the Export Library covering beef exports to Japan have been updated to reflect the recent change from an EV program to QSA LT-30.

March 2013

February 2013

  • Clarification on Expanded Beef Access to Hong Kong – Further updates have been posted in the Export Library for Hong Kong regarding the expanded market access for U.S. beef that took effect Feb. 25. The inconsistent language that we flagged earlier this week regarding dedicated equipment has now been removed, which is a positive change.

    Note that the Export Library was updated late yesterday in a manner that raised several questions among USMEF members. Please use the link above to get the more recent update, which was just posted a short time ago. Please contact Travis Arp with any questions or call 303-623-6328.
  • Meat, Poultry Ineligible for Namibia – The Export Library for Namibia now lists all U.S. meat and poultry products as ineligible. According to the Global Trade Atlas, the United States shipped only 48 mt of beef and 76 mt of pork to Namibia in 2012. U.S. poultry shipments, however, totaled 4,428 mt.
  • Plant Reinstated by Canada – The Export Library for Canada has been updated to reflect reinstatement of a U.S. plant.
  • Expanded Beef Access for Hong Kong – The Export Library for Hong Kong has been updated to reflect expanded access for U.S. beef products, effective Feb. 25. These changes are consistent with the guidance issued in USMEF’s Feb. 22 Exporter Update. Note that the Export Library changes indicated for “eligible pork products labeled for China” and for “fresh/frozen pork and lamb products, except beef and beef products” are only clarifications, and do not reflect changes in policy.

    USMEF is seeking clarification on why Subsection 2 of the Eligible Products section still refers to use of dedicated equipment as part of the EV program for Hong Kong. This language should no longer be needed, and we will provide an update when more details are available.
  • Mexico Plant List Update – An update is posted to the eligible plant list for Mexico.
  • Egg Products for Hong Kong – State-specific eligibility changes are posted for egg products destined for Hong Kong.

January 2013

  • Eligibility of U.S. Pork to El Salvador Clarified — Pork and pork products have been officially added to the list of items eligible for export to El Salvador. This is really just a clarification, however, rather than a policy change. Except for 2005, the U.S. has recorded at least $1 million in pork exports to El Salvador in each of the last 15 years. Through November of last year, pork/pork variety meat exports to El Salvador totaled 2,420 mt valued at $6.4 million – an increase of about 30 percent from 2011. (Global Trade Atlas data)
  • Some Casings of Brazilian Origin Now Ineligible for Japan — The Export Library for Japan allows only certain casings of specific origins to be re-exported from the United States to Japan. The latest Export Library update adds Brazil to the list of countries-of-origin from which the following products are ineligible for export to Japan:
    • Non-ruminant origin meat products produced using natural ruminant casings
    • Imported natural ruminant casings
    • Meat products using natural sheep casings
    • Meat products using natural bovine casings
    • Meat products using artificial casing derived from cattle hides
  • Plant List Update for Mexico – An update is posted to the eligible plant list for Mexico.
  • Updated Instructions for eTDE Pre-notification for China — The eTDE pre-notification requirements for China have been updated. Exporters must indicate in in Block 14 of the FSIS Form 9060-6 whether or not their certificate will be notified to the People’s Republic of China through the eTDE system. If not, the time required by the public health veterinarian to record information in the PHIS system will now be included in the reimbursable time charged to the establishment or exporter.
  • Islamic Center Update for UAE — Contact information has been updated for one of the approved Islamic halal certifiers for exports to the United Arab Emirates.
  • Poultry and Egg Eligibility for Hong Kong — In addition to the Export Library changes for Russia and Mexico (above), changes have also been posted to the state-specific eligibility requirements for poultry and eggs destined for Hong Kong.
  • EV Requirements Added to Export Library for Mexico — The Export Library for Mexico has been updated to include the requirement that beef and beef products and sheep and goat offals must originate from AMS Export Verification (EV) approved establishments. This requirement is not actually new, but the language is new to the Export Library. So USMEF is seeking further information on the reasoning behind this change, and will provide more details when we have clarification.
  • Casings Eligibility Change for South Korea — In the Export Library for South Korea, collagen casings have been added to the list of products that cannot be imported into the United States, then re-exported to South Korea. (Natural casings were already included on this list of products.)
  • Plant Relisting for Japan — The Export Library for Japan has been updated to reflect the relisting of a U.S. plant.
  • Eligible Plant List Updates for South Africa, Israel — The eligible plant list for South Africa has been updated, and the Export Library for Israel has also been updated to reflect changes in the list of plants eligible to serve this market.
  • Plant List Update for Brazil — An update is posted to the eligible plant list for Brazil.
  • Formatting Update on Peru’s Packing Date Requirement — Last week we reported that the Export Library for Peru had been updated to reflect the requirement that all shipping container labels for meat and poultry must include a packing date. At that time, two options were listed as acceptable formats for the packing date. But today’s Export Library update for Peru states that a single format – DD/MM/YY – must be used.
  • Poultry to Cuba — State-specific restrictions on poultry exports to Cuba have been updated.
  • Updates to Russia’s Eligible Pork, Poultry Plant Lists — Russia’s eligible plant lists for pork and poultry have been updated to reflect separate plant delistings.
  • Packing Date Required on Shipping Container Labels for Meat, Poultry Destined for Peru — The Export Library for Peru has been updated to reflect Peru’s requirement that all shipping container labels for meat and poultry must include a packing date.
  • Poultry, Eggs to Japan – State-specific restrictions on exports of poultry and eggs to Japan have been updated.
  • Poultry to Taiwan – State-specific restrictions on poultry exports have been updated for Taiwan.
  • Poultry to Jordan – All state-specific restrictions on poultry exports have now been removed from the Export Library for Jordan.
  • Requirements for Honduras Simplified – The Export Library for Honduras has been updated, but the changes are really just a simplification of existing red meat export requirements.
  • Halal Requirements for Beef, Poultry Entering Jordan – The Export Library for Jordan has been updated to include halal certification requirements for beef and poultry. While these requirements are new to the Export Library, the impact on trade should not be significant since customer preference already dictated that meat products destined for Jordan were halal-compliant. This Export Library update also includes some state-specific eligibility changes for poultry.
  • Australia Plant List – The eligible plant list has been updated for Australia.

December 2012

  • Change in Export Requirements for Taiwan – Exporters should note the following change in the export requirements for Taiwan:

    FSIS Form 9285-1: Taiwan regulatory authorities will not accept this certificate endorsed by the veterinarian after the consignment has shipped. U.S. exporters should ensure that the products do not ship until after the certificate is signed by the veterinarian.*
  • Plants Delisted by Malaysia – The Export Library for Malaysia has been updated to reflect three U.S. plant delistings.
  • Documentation Requirements for Japan – Instructions for accessing Form 9092-1 (by FSIS inspection personnel only) are updated for Japan.
  • Egypt Plant List Updates – Updates are posted to the eligible beef plant list and the eligible poultry plant list for Egypt.
  • More Updates on Pork Casings to Russia – The Export Library for Russia has been further updated to address the sourcing of natural pork casings. USMEF first reported on this change in Russia’s policy on the sourcing of pork casings in the Dec. 3 edition of the Exporter Update. Since Dec. 3, only natural pork casings sourced from approved U.S. slaughter establishments and processed/selected in the United States can be certified for export to Russia. Previously, casings of U.S. origin that were processed/selected in third countries were also eligible for export to Russia.
  • Plant Delisted for Japan – The Export Library posting for Japan has been updated to reflect a plant delisting.
  • Certificates Extended for Kazakhstan – Letterhead certificates for meat and poultry products and egg products destined for Kazakhstan will remain valid after Jan. 1, 2013.
  • Eligibility Change on Pork Casings to Russia – After today (Dec. 3), only natural pork casings sourced from approved U.S. slaughter establishments and processed/selected in the United States can be certified for export to Russia. Previously, casings of U.S. origin that were processed/selected in third countries were also eligible for export to Russia.
  • Mexico Plant List Update – Updates are posted to the eligible plant list for Mexico.

November 2012

October 2012

  • Export Requirements for St. Eustatius, Saba, Bonaire No Longer Tied to EU – The Export Library has new individual entries for St. Eustatius and Saba and an amended entry for Bonaire. The impact of these changes can be summarized as follows:

    All three of these Caribbean islands are special municipalities of the Netherlands. In the past, meat and poultry exports to these destinations were required to meet European Union requirements. With these changes to the Export Library, this is no longer the case. Now, all USDA federally inspected plants are eligible to export to these markets.
  • Mexico Plant List Update – An update is posted to the eligible plant list for Mexico.
  • Meat Destined for Mexico via Canada Must Be from Eligible Plants – The Export Library for Canada has been updated to clarify that any U.S. meat or poultry exported to Canada for further processing and subsequently exported to Mexico must originate from facilities that are on Mexico’s eligible plant list.
  • Mexico Plant List Update – The eligible plant list has been updated for Mexico.
  • Beef, Pork, Poultry Plant Lists Updated for Russia – Russia’s eligible plant lists have been updated for beef, pork and poultry.
  • Egypt Simplifies Expiration Dates for Frozen Beef Products – The Export Library for Egypt has been updated to simplify the expiration dates for frozen boneless beef and for frozen beef livers, kidneys, and hearts.

    The actual expiration periods have not changed – they are still 12 months from the date of production for frozen boneless beef and seven months from the date of production for frozen beef livers, kidneys, and hearts. However, all references to shipping dates and other stages of transit have been eliminated.
  • Plant List Update for Brazil – An update is posted to the eligible plant list for Brazil.

September 2012

  • Pork Plant Status Updated for China – The Export Library for China has been updated to reflect changes in eligibility for a U.S. pork plant.
  • Egg Products to Japan – State-specific eligibility changes are posted for egg products destined for Japan.
  • Russia Pork Plant List Update – An update is posted to the eligible pork plant list for Russia, to reflect a plant delisting.
  • Clarification on Friday’s Update for Thailand – To clarify the Export Library update we reported last week for Thailand: the change included in this update was the addition of “processed boneless beef products” to the range of beef products eligible for export to Thailand under an approved Export Verification (EV) program.
  • South Africa Plant List Update – An update is posted to the eligible plant list for South Africa.
  • Sheep Casings for Singapore – An Export Library update for Singapore clarifies that meat products imported into the United States from other countries are not eligible for export to Singapore – with the exception of properly documented sheep and lamb casings from New Zealand and Australia. (NOTE: This does not appear to be a significant change from the Export Library update we reported on Sept. 7.)
  • EV Program Required for Beef to Thailand – An Export Library update for Thailand stipulates that U.S. plants exporting boneless beef to Thailand must do so under an approved Export Verification (EV) program.
  • Mexico Plant List Update – An update is posted to the eligible plant list for Mexico.
  • Documentation Requirements for South Korea – With this Export Library update, FSIS has narrowed the selection of acceptable certification forms for beef, pork and poultry exports to South Korea to reflect the printing of a new series of documents.
  • Processed Sheep Meat Products Eligible for Thailand – An FSIS Export Library update for Thailand reflects eligibility for the following: “processed sheep meat products, including cooked products or marinated raw products.”

    Previously, all sheep products were ineligible for Thailand.
  • Russia Pork Plant List – Updates have been posted to the eligible pork plant list for Russia.
  • Labeling Guidance for Costa Rica – For beef, pork and poultry products destined for Costa Rica the Export Library now includes the following labeling guidance:

    For [beef/pork/poultry] products, Spanish labels are preferred but English labels are acceptable. The labels must include lot number, packaging date, and the official number of the producing establishment.
  • Mexico Plant List Update – Updates are posted to the eligible plant list for Mexico.
  • Sheep Casings from Australia, New Zealand May be Re-exported to Singapore – Singapore currently bans meat products imported into the United States from third countries from being re-exported to Singapore. This Export Library update for Singapore exempts sheep and lamb casings from Australia and New Zealand from this ban, provided that the exporter properly documents the origin of these products.
  • Russia Pork Plant List Updated to Reflect Delistings – We first reported on Friday, Aug. 31, that Russia’s VPSS was preparing to announce the delisting of two U.S. pork processing plants, effective Sept. 12, for “repeat violations under enhanced control.”

    The Export Library for Russia has now been updated to reflect these delistings. Please note that export certificates can be signed for pork originating from the establishments through Sept. 11, 2012, but anything dated on or after Sept. 12 will be ineligible.
  • Poultry, Egg Eligibility for Japan – State-specific changes in poultry and egg eligibility are posted for Japan.
  • Packing Materials Note for China – The Export Library for China has been updated to include a cautionary note to exporters regarding packing materials, particularly wooden pallets.
  • Plant Status Update for Korea – The Export Library for South Korea has been updated to reflect the eligibility status of a U.S. plant.
  • Plant List Procedure Updated for Mexico – The eligible plant list for Mexico has been updated to reflect a change in the procedure used when updating the list.

August 2012

  • Ground Beef, Weasand and Head Meat, Small Intestine Eligible for Mexico - Ground beef, weasand meat, head meat and small intestines derived from animals less than 30 months of age and produced under an Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Export Verification (EV) program are now eligible to ship to Mexico. Please be sure to update your AMS EV program to meet the critieria in the FSIS certification letters for these products.
  • Ractopamine Advisory for Russia; New Documentation Requirements Likely – The Export Library for Russia includes a cautionary note regarding the possibility of pork shipments being rejected and/or plants delisted due to ractopamine violations, and states that this situation may lead to new documentation requirements. The new library entry states:

    “Exporters are cautioned that Russia may reject U.S. pork shipments and delist producing establishments if ractopamine residues are detected in exported product. At this time, FSIS is not requiring documentation that demonstrates that the product is free of ractopamine before issuing export certification. FSIS likely will soon provide additional instructions that will require such documentation.”
  • Age and Product Restrictions Lifted for Beef to El Salvador – The Export Library for El Salvador has been amended to reflect removal of age and product restrictions for U.S. beef and beef products.
  • Eligibility Clarified for Casings Exported to Europe – This Export Library update for the European Union clarifies that facilities producing animal casings for export to the EU must be on the list of EU-approved casings establishments. However, casings do not have to originate from animals slaughtered at establishments approved by the EU.
  • Plant Status Update for China – The Export Library for China has been updated to reflect a change in the product eligibility status of a U.S. plant.
  • Russia Pork Plant List – The eligible pork plant list has been updated for Russia.
  • Poultry to Colombia – Documentation requirements have been updated for poultry destined for Colombia.
  • Bison Meat Ineligible for Japan – Bison meat is now on the ineligible products list for Japan.
  • Mexico Plant List – The eligible plant list has been updated for Mexico.
  • Korea Plant Delisting – The Export Library for South Korea has been updated to reflect delisting of a U.S. plant.
  • Mexico Plant List – Updates are posted to the eligible plant list for Mexico.
  • Poultry to Mexico – A change in documentation requirements is posted for certain poultry exports to Mexico.
  • Labeling Clarification for Canada – The Export Library for Canada has been updated to clarify that Canada’s requirement that “boneless” or “bone-in” must precede the name of the species of meat applies only to the labeling of shipping or bulk containers of single ingredient meat cuts exempt from CFIA label registration. If the product is registered by CFIA without having a “bone-in” or “boneless” statement, the shipping container is only required to carry the product description registered to CFIA.
  • Processed Pork Cleared for Malaysia – We reported earlier in the week that all U.S. pork had been deemed ineligible for Malaysia, but the Export Library has now been updated to allow processed pork. While volumes are likely small, some U.S. companies are approved to ship processed pork to Malaysia.
  • U.S. pork ineligible for Malaysia – As noted above, U.S. pork is now ineligible for Malaysia.

July 2012

  • Poultry for Macedonia – Documentation requirements are updated for poultry destined for Macedonia.
  • Iceland Adopts EU Requirements; More Information to Follow – While a very limited range of U.S. meat products has been eligible for export to Iceland, the Export Library for Iceland has now been updated to reflect the adoption of EU import requirements. The entry also notes that, “Additional information about exports to Iceland will be provided as it becomes available.”
  • Australia Plant List – The eligible plant list has been updated for Australia.
  • New Resource Available for Compliance with Chile’s Labeling Requirements - While no changes have been made in Chile’s beef labeling requirements, the Export Library for Chile has been updated to include a new resource containing names in English and Spanish for cuts not mentioned in the beef nomenclature chart found in the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement. This resource is now available on the AMS Website. USMEF is reviewing the new information for any necessary additions or corrections.
  • Egypt Plant List Updates - Egypt’s eligible plant lists are updated for beef and poultry.
  • Russia Plant List Updates - Russia’s eligible plant lists have been updated for beef, pork and poultry.
  • Dried Beef, Pork, Poultry Stock to the Netherlands – The Export Library for the Netherlands now clarifies that because requirements for concentrated or dried beef, pork and poultry stock are not yet harmonized by the EU, these products are subject to the import requirements of the Netherlands.
  • Caution Regarding Iceland – Presently only U.S. cooked poultry products are eligible for export to Iceland. The Export Library now includes a cautionary note advising exporters to work closely with Icelandic importers on all shipments.
  • Russia Pork Plant List – The eligible pork plant list has been updated for Russia.
  • Poultry to Japan – Documentation requirements are updated for poultry destined for Japan.
  • Handling-Storage Requirements for Saudi Arabia – The online FSIS Export Library reflects a small change in the handling and storage requirements for exports to Saudi Arabia.
  • Pork Casings to Russia – Documentation requirements have been updated for pork casings destined for Russia.

June 2012

  • Pork Blood Eligible for Mexico – The Export Library for Mexico has been updated to reflect a new certificate for edible pork blood, making that product eligible for export.
  • Prenotification for China – The Export Library for China has been updated to reflect current prenotification requirements.
  • More Updated Documentation Requirements for Pork Casings – Documentation requirements have been updated for pork casings destined for Mexico, Singapore and Brazil. Please note that the update for Brazil also includes documentation changes for lamb casings imported from New Zealand that have not undergone processing or repackaging in the United States.
  • South Africa Plant List Update – The eligible plant list has been updated for South Africa.
  • Documentation Requirement Changes for Australia, Canada, NZ – Please note changes in the FSIS Export Library for documentation required for shipping beef and pork casings to Australia, Canada and New Zealand (includes sheep casing).
  • Change in Bison Export Requirements for Switzerland – Changes have been made to the requirements for bison meat exports to Switzerland (documentation and eligible plant list).
  • More Updated Documentation Requirements for Pork Casings - Documentation requirements have been updated for pork casings destined for Mexico, Singapore and Brazil. Please note that the update for Brazil also includes documentation changes for lamb casings imported from New Zealand that have not undergone processing or repackaging in the United States.
  • Mexico Plant List Update – The eligible plant list has been updated for Mexico.
  • Certificate Guidance for Beef to EU – The Export Library for the EU now reflects the guidance offered in last week’s Exporter Update for high-quality beef destined for the European Union, with respect to the new quota year beginning July 1. This guidance is available online.
  • Pork Casings to Ukraine – A change in documentation requirements has been posted for pork casings destined for Ukraine.
  • Russia Plant List Updates – Updates are posted to the eligible pork plant list and eligible beef plant list for Russia.
  • Changes in documentation requirements have been posted for pork casings destined for Colombia and Peru.
  • Pork Casings to China – A change is posted in the documentation requirements for pork casings destined for China.
  • China Will Not Accept Edible Animal Fat, Powdered Chicken – The ineligible products list for China has been updated to include edible animal fat from all species and powdered chicken.

    NOTE: All U.S. beef products – including fat – were already ineligible for China. The U.S. pork industry has exported a small volume of fat to China this year, but Mexico is the primary foreign destination for pork fat.
  • Caution Advised for Albania – The Export Library for Albania now includes a cautionary note similar to the advisory issued last week in Exporter Update regarding new import requirements imposed without proper notice. FAS is seeking further clarification on the situation with Albania and USMEF will provide further updates as soon as more details become available.
  • Egg Products to Australia – Documentation requirements are revised for egg products destined for Australia.
  • Poultry to Taiwan – Taiwan has lifted a state-specific suspension on poultry exports.
  • Plant List Update for Mexico – An update is posted to the eligible plant list for Mexico.

May 2012

April 2012

  • Labeling Requirements for Edible Products Exported to Canada for Animal Food – An Export Library update for Canada stipulates that edible meat and poultry products exported to Canada for use in animal (pet) food must meet Canada’s mandatory labeling requirements.
  • Mexico Plant List – An update is posted to the eligible plant list for Mexico.
  • Beef Restrictions for Indonesia – As discussed in detail above, Indonesia has imposed new restrictions on most U.S. beef products. Previously eligible products will be allowed entry if the Bill of Lading date is on or before April 24, 2012.
  • Label Approval Submissions for Brazil – An update is posted to the label approval submission requirements for products destined for Brazil.
  • Pork Casings for Mexico – Changes in documentation requirements are posted for pork casings destined for Mexico.
  • Processed Egg Products for the EU – Certification requirements are updated for processed egg products destined for the European Union.
  • Documentation Requirements for Indonesia – As reported in last Friday’s Exporter Update Weekly, the updated documentation requirements recently posted for U.S. poultry destined for Indonesia have now been updated to include beef and pork as well.
  • Russia Pork Plant List – Updates are posted to the eligible pork plant list for Russia.
  • Beef Export Requirements Updated for South Korea – Container number and seal number (not a USDA seal) should be provided on FSIS Form 9305-7 when presented to an FSIS veterinarian for signature.
  • Beef, Pork, Poultry Plant List for Russia Updated – The eligible beef, pork and poultry plant lists for Russia have been revised.
  • Export Requirements for Indonesia – The poultry export requirements for Indonesia have been updated. Click here for details. USMEF understands that these requirements may apply to beef as well. We are seeking clarification and will provide updates as they become available.
  • New Labeling Requirements in Middle East Markets – Updated labeling requirements are posted for several Middle East markets, outlining new guidelines for production dates and expiration dates. The updates are similar but not identical, so please follow these links to the specific Export Library language:
  • Plant List Update for Mexico – An update is posted to the eligible plant list for Mexico.
  • Poultry Plant List Update for Russia – An update is posted to the eligible poultry plant list for Russia.
  • Plant List Update for South Africa – An update is posted to the eligible plant list for South Africa.
  • Eligible Poultry Products for Japan – An update is posted to the eligible poultry products list for Japan.
  • Egg Products for Australia – Documentation requirements are updated for egg products destined for Australia.
  • Eligible Plant Lists Updated for Russia – Updates are posted to the eligible beef plant list and eligible prepared products plant list for Russia.
  • Eligible Plant Update for Japan – A beef plant previously delisted by Japan has been reinstated.
  • Plant List Update for Mexico – The eligible plant list has been updated for Mexico.
  • Poultry Offal for Mexico – Documentation requirements are updated for poultry offal destined for Mexico.
  • Australia Plant List Update – Updates are posted to the eligible plant list for Australia.
  • Eligible Beef Product Change for Mexico– A slight change is posted to the eligible beef product language for Mexico. In the following section, the bold text has been added:Fresh/frozen beef meat and beef meat products, including bone-in and boneless beef products, further processed products, tripe, trimmings, hearts, kidneys, lips, diaphragms, tongue, cheek meat, livers, feet, and thymus (sweetbreads) derived from animals less than 30 months of age and produced under an approved Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Export Verification (EV) program. When these products are subjected to boning/cut-up/processing at another establishment eligible to ship to Mexico, an approved AMS EV program for Mexico is only required at that establishment if the facility also handles non-conforming product in which case the EV program would be required to ensure control of the non-conforming product. If you have any questions about this change, please contact Courtney Heller at 303-623-6328 or cheller@usmef.org.
  • Ham, Sausage Certification for Mexico – Certification requirements have been updated for cooked hams and sausages destined for Mexico.

March 2012

  • Egg Products to Singapore – A list of companies approved to export egg products to Singapore is posted.
  • Commercial Seal Number Required for Singapore – Effective April 15, the commercial seal number must be entered into the “Remarks” section on FSIS Form 9060-5 for all meat and poultry exports destined for Singapore. If you have any questions regarding this requirement, please contact Paul Clayton at 303-632-6328 or pclayton@usmef.org.
  • Sheep Casings to Egypt’s Free Zones – Sheep casings may now be exported to Egypt, but only to Egypt’s designated free zones for processing and re-export. Sheep casings still are not eligible for import into Egypt, with the exception of these free zones. FSIS Form 9060-7 should be used for casings exports.
  • Brazil Plant List – A number of inactive plants have been removed from the eligible plant list for Brazil.
  • Packaging Clarification for Canada The Export Library has been updated for Canada clarifying the manner in which modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) may be used for meat and poultry. The Export Library now states that while use of carbon monoxide in modified atmospheric packaging is allowed in an outer barrier bag containing a packaged retail meat cut, it may not be in direct contact with fresh meat or poultry. If you have any questions please contact Courtney Heller at 303-623-6328 or cheller@usmef.org.
  • Hong Kong Extends Requirements to Ship Stores – The export requirements for Hong Kong have been amended to include the following: “Ship Stores: All meat and poultry products exported to ship stores must comply with the export requirements for Hong Kong.”
  • Cautionary Note Regarding Beef Exports to Japan – While no changes in export requirements have been made, FSIS has posted a cautionary note for exporters shipping beef to Japan. The guidance includes the following statement: “Eligible plants exporting beef to Japan are cautioned to be extra vigilant in engaging/contracting with logistics companies to make sure their contractors will be aware of EV program requirements for Japan.”
  • Guidance Regarding Pork to Canada – There is no requirement that U.S. pork meat shipped to Canada must be certified free of trichinella spiralis. However, exporters wishing to voluntarily certify that pork meat is free of trichinella spiralis must follow these Export Library guidelines: “When shipping pork meat certified free of Trichinella spiralis to Canada, the exporters must ensure that boxed products are stamped “Frozen for the control of Trichinella” on the main panel of each box.” If you have any questions please contact Courtney Heller at 303-623-6328 or cheller@usmef.org.
  • Plant List for Mexico – The eligible plant list has been updated for Mexico.
  • Revised Poultry Requirements for Saudi Arabia – The USDA FSIS Export Library has been updated to show revised export requirements for shipment of poultry products to Saudi Arabia.
  • SOV No Longer Required for 12 destinations – The USDA FSIS Export Library has been updated to show that a Statement of Verification (SOV) will not be required as part of the export certification process starting March 19, 2012, for the following countries: Colombia, El Salvador, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Malaysia, Panama, Peru, Singapore, St. Lucia, Thailand, Ukraine and Vietnam. Details on the change are posted here.
  • Residue Testing for Poultry to the EU – Residue testing requirements for poultry destined for the European Union have been revised. Similar revisions were posted last month for red meat exports to the EU.
  • Curaçao, Bonaire Added to Export Library – Curaçao and Bonairehave been added to the FSIS Export Library for the first time.With FSIS Form 9060-5, meat from any USDA federally inspected plant is eligible for Curaçao. For Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (known collectively as the BES islands), product eligibility and documentation requirements are determined by the export requirements for the European Union and the Netherlands as outlined in the Export Library. If you have questions about exporting to either of these destinations, please contact Courtney Heller at 303-623-6328 or cheller@usmef.org.
  • Russia Poultry Plant List Update – The eligible poultry plant list is updated for Russia.
  • Pork Still Ineligible for Jamaica – To avoid confusion, the Export Library has been updated for Jamaica confirming that U.S. pork is not eligible. While efforts continue to open this market to pork, there has been no change in its status.
  • Documentation Requirements for Beef, Poultry to Egypt – The documentation requirements (specifically the “Remarks” section) for beef and poultry destined for Egypt have been updated to include a slaughter date or date range.
  • Canned Meat, Poultry for Chile – Documentation requirements have been updated for canned meat and poultry products destined for Chile.
  • Plant List Update for Australia – The eligible plant list has been updated for Australia.

February 2012

January 2012

  • Gulfood Samples for the UAE – The Export Library for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been updated so that samples for the upcoming Gulfood 2012 trade show are exempt from the UAE’s normal labeling requirements. However, samples must be clearly marked, “SAMPLES FOR THE GULFOOD SHOW, not for commercial sale.”
  • Beef Products for Chile – Requirements have been clarified for U.S. beef products destined for Chile. Because Chile’s regulations can sometimes cause confusion, USMEF is planning to add a Chilean section to the USMEF Bilingual Labeling Manual posted at www.usmef.org. Watch for this addition soon.
  • Russia Poultry Plant List – The eligible poultry plant list is updated for Russia.
  • Marking Requirements for Canada – Documentation requirements are updated for unmarked and unstamped products destined for Canada.
  • Australia Plant List – The eligible pork plant list is updated for Australia.
  • Canadian Pork Re-exported to Japan – Documentation changes are posted for pork of Canadian origin that is imported into the United States and then shipped to Japan.
  • Eggs to Japan – State-specific changes in egg eligibility are posted for Japan.
  • New York-based Poultry Exports Suspended for Taiwan – Due to a confirmed case of avian influenza (LPNAI H5) in Kings County, N.Y., APHIS is required – per a bilateral agreement – to restrict poultry exports from the state of New York to Taiwan. Therefore, all poultry meat and poultry products loaded on-board vessel on or after January 24, 2012 are ineligible for export to Taiwan. Any poultry meat or poultry products loaded on-board vessel on or before January 23, 2012, are still eligible for Taiwan. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Smith at ksmith@usmef.org or 303-623-6328.
  • Kings County, NY, Poultry Exports Ineligible for Cuba – For the same reasons listed above, poultry exports from Kings County, N.Y., are ineligible for Cuba, effective Jan. 24. Please note, however, that Cuba’s restrictions apply only to Kings County and not the entire state of New York.
  • Residue Testing Changes for the EU- Changes in the required sample size have been made to the residue testing requirements for the European Union. Specifically, the following requirement in Section IX, Subsection F is revised to read: “Please collect 200 ml of urine and 200 gm of muscle, kidney or fat.”Additional changes in EU residue testing requirements, including an update to the sampling frequency table, are anticipated soon but are not yet posted. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Clayton at pclayton@usmef.org or 303-623-6328.
  • Pork Casings for Mexico – Documentation requirements are updated for pork casings destined for Mexico
  • Australia Plant List Update – An update is posted to the eligible plant list for Australia.
  • Cold Storage List for Japan – The eligible cold storage facility list has been updated for Japan.
  • Plant List for Mexico – The eligible plant list has been updated for Mexico.
  • Mexico Plant List – Updates are posted to the eligible plant list for Mexico.
  • Poultry to Kuwait – Poultry eligibility changes are posted for Kuwait.
  • Contact Info for Egg Exports to Canada – Changes are posted to the CFIA contact information for companies exporting eggs to Canada.
  • Pork and Sheep Casings for New Zealand – Documentation requirements have been revised for pork and sheep casings destined for New Zealand.
  • Poultry Eligibility Update for China – State-specific poultry eligibility updates are posted for China.
  • Beef Labeling and Documentation for Chile – Labeling and Documentation requirements are updated for beef destined for Chile.
  • Pork Plant List Update for Russia – An update to the eligible pork plant list is posted for Russia.
  • Eggs to Canada – Certification requirements are updated for eggs destined for Canada.
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