Bringing Food & Pets into Mexico

Upon driving into Mexico, the different officials one sees at the border may include Hacienda (tax office for customs declaration) as well as SENASICA inspectors who are part of the Secretary of Agriculture, Ranching, Rural Development, Fishing and Feed (SAGARPA). During 2011, a SENASICA office was installed in Sonoyta to help enforce regulations regarding bringing meat, lactose items, and other items (including pet food) across the border. Though this enforcement is relatively new to many of us who cross through the Sonoyta/Lukeville entry frequently, the regulations apparently have been in effect for quite some time.

The following information is from the SENASICA site (Note: At the moment it would appear not all of the links are available in English – though keep checking the “English” tab in the upper righthand corner on the SENASICA site)

Permitted products   http://www.senasica.gob.mx/?id=3701

•    Dried, cooked, canned, and bottled foods in their original package (not homemade)
•    Toasted coffee, prunes, canned or packaged spices, dry medicinal herbs
•    Conserved or cooked fruit or vegetables, dried fruits
•    Pork (refrigerated, frozen, canned, cooked and processed, canned pâté) in the original, sealed package and with USDA or Canadian Ministry of Agriculture seal, up to 5 kilos (11 lbs.) per car
•    Poultry (fresh, frozen, cooked or processed in the US) in the original, sealed package and with USDA or Canadian Ministry of Agriculture seal. The latest information indicates this to be a limit of 15 kilos (3 turkeys or approx. 33 lbs.)
•    Powdered milk, lactose items and mature cheeses from Canada or the US (in their original package)

Prohibited products   http://www.senasica.gob.mx/?id=3699

•    Dirt, hay, hay flower
•    Homemade products
•    Pet food
•    Flour made from animal origin
•    Meat (fresh, dried, canned or frozen, beef products) not in original packaging or from countries Mexico considers to be high-risk (For example, no BEEF from the U.S.). Must indicate type of meat (animal) and country of origin.
•    Vaccinations or biological drugs that contain any type of exotic plague or illness

NOTE: There are NO FINES for carrying food (or pet food) goods, though upon detection you will need to either return these to the US (for example, perhaps drop off at Lukeville gas station) or have the items taken from you.

Regulated products   http://www.senasica.gob.mx/?id=3697

•    In Mexico, only cats and dogs are considered to be pets, and must have vaccination records (health certificate) issued by a vet. No fee for travel with one or two pets.
•    Live animals (birds and other small species)
•    Unprepared or unfinished animal hides
•    Hunting trophies (i.e. carcass)
•    Vegetable material (seeds, plant cuttings,) fruit, vegetable, flowers, cereals, plants
•    Lactose products, bees and bee products, meat products that come from countries without absolute quarantine
•    Medication and biological products for veterinary use, genetically modified live organisms, objects that may have organic residue on them (blood or dirt) such as boots, bull-fighting uniform, swords, rocks, ropes, etc.)