Mexico – Export requirements for fish and seafood

On this page

• Eligible
• Pre-export approvals by the competent authority of the importing country
• Product specifications
• Documentation requirements
• Other information

Eligible

• All fish and seafood products
• Live and non-live crustaceans harvested from fishing areas FAO 67 or FAO 21
  • The export eligibility of crustaceans harvested from fishing areas other than FAO 67 or FAO 21 is dependent upon animal health disease status; contact your local office for more information

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

Import permit

The importer must obtain an import permit from the appropriate Mexican authority prior to arrival of products at the border. See "Documentation Requirements" below. A turn around time of 2 to 5 days is required to obtain the permit.

Product specifications

Refer to Official Mexican Standard NOM-242-SSA1-2009, Products and Services. Fresh, chilled, frozen and processed fishery products. Sanitary specifications and test methods (Spanish only).

Parasites

• Parasites with capsule > 3 mm diameter: 2 parasites/kg of finfish
• Parasites not encapsulated > 10 mm in length: 1 parasite/kg of finfish

Documentation requirements

Prior to export

The exporter must provide the importer with a copy of the following documents:

1. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Certificate issued by Canada Border Services Agency
2. Master Certificate of Fish Health and Hygiene for Mexico (CFIA/ACIA 5206) issued by CFIA prior to the first export of a fish product
   • Master certificates and statements are issued so that the importer can obtain a permit which covers a set time period and is not obliged to obtain one for each shipment
   • The following statements/information must be included on the certificate:
     "This certificate covers all shipments of fish products described above, for the period ending [date]"

At time of export

The following certificate(s) must accompany the shipment along with a copy of the import permit:

1. for all fish and seafood:

   Certificate of Fish Health and Hygiene for Mexico (CFIA/ACIA 5206)

   The following statements/information must be included on the certificate:

   "This Certificate is issued pursuant to Master Certificate # ___________ [Dated]"

2. for live crustaceans:
   • two certificates are required:

     1. Certificate of Fish Health and Hygiene for Mexico (CFIA/ACIA 5206)

        The following statements/information must be included on the certificate:

        "This Certificate is issued pursuant to Master Certificate # ___________ [Dated]"

     2. Aquatic Animal Health and Sanitary Certificate (AQAH-1062)

3. for non-live crustaceans and their products:

   Certificate of Fish Health and Hygiene for Mexico (CFIA/ACIA 5206)

   The following statements/information must be included on the certificate:

   "This Certificate is issued pursuant to Master Certificate # ___________ [Dated]"

   Product description must include:

   1. the scientific and common name of the species; and,
   2. the latitude and longitude of the zone where the crustaceans were harvested
      • The latitude and longitude should be expressed as a range. If the product is harvested outside of fishing areas FAO 67 or FAO 21, and was only processed in Canada, the original harvesting area must be noted
      • Examples of latitude and longitude ranges for products harvested in Canada are as follows:
        • Latitude: > 40° N, < 80° N
        • Longitude: Pacific: Longitude: < 140° W, > 120° W
        • Atlantic: Longitude: > 70° W, < 34° W

Other information

For requirements related to "Product of Canada" designation, refer to Country of origin declaration – Imported product exported from Canada.