Northwest Horticultural Council

Country Alerts

Mexico Alters Phytosanitary Certificate Requirements Regarding Light Brown Apple Moth, Effective Immediately

Mexico’s agriculture ministry SAGARPA has notified USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Export Services that new language is now required on all phytosanitary certificates regarding Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM), or Epiphyas postvittana. This requirement is effective immediately.

All LBAM host materials – including apples, pears, and cherries – exported from the U.S. to Mexico now require the Additional Declaration: “The product was inspected and found free of any biological instars of Epiphyas postvittana.”

APHIS has updated the Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD) system with the correct Additional Declaration for apples, pears, and cherries. The NHC has been in contact with APHIS officials and has alerted the state departments of agriculture of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho to ensure new phytosanitary certificates will be issued with the appropriate declaration.

More information can be found on the Mexico page of the NHC’s Export Manual.

Posted 7/26/23. Updated 7/27/23.