Mexico – Export requirements for milk and dairy products

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1. Eligible/ineligible product

1.1 Eligible

Milk and dairy products, including infant formula, as specified in the Requisitos Zoosanitarios Para Importación (RZPI) and covered by the combination 098-13-221-CAN-Can. For information purposes, see the list below. It is recommended to work with your importer to obtain more details regarding eligible products.

  • Colostrum
  • Caseins and caseinates
  • Dairy-based food supplements
  • Milk protein concentrates
  • Cream
  • Rennet
  • Fat or anhydrous
  • Milk-based ice creams and ice lollies
  • Lactalbumin
  • Lactose
  • Whey
  • Concentrated milk
  • Powdered milk
  • Fermented milk
  • Dietary formula
  • Modified milk
  • Pasteurized milk
  • Butter
  • Milk minerals
  • Casein-based preparations
  • Milk fat-based preparations
  • Milk-based preparations, food preparations based on dairy products
  • Cheeses: blue paste, cream, powder, fractionated, grana de padano, parmigiano reggiano, provologne, grated, regiano, cologne and dambo type, soft, hard and/or semi-hard, fresh, melted
  • Dairy-based flavourings
  • Butter solids
  • Dairy-containing food supplement
  • Milk substitute
  • HT milk
  • Yogurt

Examples of dairy products that have already been exported to Mexico (MX):

  • cheese (speciality cheese, fresh cheese)
  • yogourt
  • ice cream (dairy based edible ice)
  • skim milk powder
  • whole milk powder
  • whey products
  • casein and casein products
  • products consisting of natural milk constituents
  • other (for example: lactose and lactose Syrup, milk albumin, and buttermilk products

1.2 Ineligible

No information is known regarding ineligible products.

2. Pre-export approvals by the competent authority of the importing country

2.1 Country

Canada is authorized to export dairy products.

2.2 Establishments

Mexico does not have a list of approved establishments.

The manufacturing of dairy products must be under the official oversight of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and be licensed under the Safe Food for Canadian Regulations (SFCR).

2.3 Products

The registration of infant formula preparations prior to importation is mandatory. This procedure is the responsibility of the importer established in Mexico.

Due to the sensitivity of certain products, such as infant formula, it is recommended to contact the Embassy of Canada located in Mexico for more details regarding product registration as well as specific labelling requirements.

2.4 Import permit

An import permit may be required in general. For infant formula, a sanitary import authorization must be obtained by the importer from the Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios (COFEPRIS). Exporter should work with the importer to verify this condition.

3. Product specifications

No information is known regrading product specifications. Microbiological requirements and maximum residue limits in Mexico may differ from those in Canada. Failure to comply with these standards could result in a shipment being rejected at the border control port.

4. Production controls and inspection requirements

The manufacturer must be aware of the standards and requirements of the importing country. An export control plan must (ECP) be in place to demonstrate that your products meet the requirements of the importing country.

A recent version of the Requisitos Zoosanitarios Para Importación (RZPI) must be presented to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) prior to certification. This document, which contains Mexico's import requirements, can be found on the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA) import requirements query module: Módulo de consulta de requisitos para la importación de mercancías zoosanitarias (Spanish only).

The RZPI currently available for dairy products is 098-13-221-CAN-CAN (Milk and/or dairy products). This RZPI covers dairy products derived from cattle, sheep and goat.

Manufacturer's declaration

  • All export requests for milk and dairy products must be accompanied by a Manufacturer's declaration completed and signed by an authorized person of the food manufacturing establishment/facility
  • To request a template of the Manufacturer's Declaration (accessible only on the Government of Canada network – RDIMS 15576674), contact your local CFIA office
  • The product(s) must be clearly identified on the manufacturer's declaration and match exactly the product(s) that are part of the export shipment
  • Dairy ingredients and dairy products must be subjected to one of the following heat treatments. This information must be indicated in the manufacturer's declaration
    1. a) at least 132°C for more than 1 second
    2. b) at least 120°C for more than 60 seconds
    3. c) at least 115°C for more than 120 seconds
    4. d) at least 110°C for more than 180 seconds
    5. e) at least 72°C for 15 seconds or more and with a pH lower than 7.0, or, subject to double pasteurization
    6. f) maturing process at the production plant for a minimum of 60 days or certify that it reached a pH lower than 6.0 during processing

Note: Inspectors will verify that the manufacturer's declaration is completed appropriately and reserve the right to request any other information that they think is necessary for the final certification of the product.

Certification requirements

The health certificate CFIA/ACIA TS.MX contains animal health and public health requirements.

Animal health attestations

The animal health attestation on the health certificate CFIA/ACIA TS.MX is met based on the fact that Canada is recognized as free of foot and mouth disease by the World Organization for Animal Health (WHOA). In Canada, this is reportable disease under the Health of Animal Act.

Public health attestations

The public health attestations on the health certificate CFIA/ACIA TS.MX are met based on Canadian and Mexican regulations.

Imported dairy ingredients

The use of imported dairy ingredients from certain countries may limit the ability to export to Mexico if the status of the country is not recognised as free of foot and mouth disease (Picornavirus).

5. Labelling, packaging, and marking requirements

It is the exporter's responsibility to meet all the requirements for labelling, packaging and marking requirements as required by the importing country.

6. Required documents

Canada has a negotiated certificate with Mexico. Request for any additional statements must be confirmed by CFIA's Food Import Export Division (FIED).

As a manufacturer/exporter and in order to facilitate the certification process, it is important that you are familiar with the conditions stipulated in the RZPI.

Certificate

Health certificate for the export of milk and milk products for human consumption from Canada to Mexico. (CFIA/ACIA TS.MX)

Note

  • The health certificate is signed by the CFIA official certifier
  • The health certificate is written in three languages: Spanish, English and French
  • The health certificate covers the following animal species: caprine, ovine and bovine
  • Export certificates cannot be issued for products that have left Canada

7. Other information

The operator/exporter is responsible for requesting the appropriate certificate from the CFIA inspector. Any discrepancy between a RZPI certification requirements and the approved CFIA certificate for the product intended for export should be brought to the attention of the inspector. The operator/exporter bears full responsibility to ensure that the certification provided by the CFIA is in compliance with the certification requirements appearing on the applicable RZPIs.

Exported products transiting through a country may require transit documentation. It is the responsibility of the exporter to ensure that the shipment will be accompanied by all necessary certificates. Work closely with your importer.

Samples (personal or commercial) may be subject to the same requirements as a regular shipment.

Mexico has specific border control posts for products requiring refrigeration.

Relevant links

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