New Emergency Phytosanitary Measures for Solanaceous Products, Including Seeds Exported to Mexico

Recently a regulated pest, Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (Rs R3 bv2) was detected in a geranium plant (Pelargonium spp.) in a greenhouse in the state of Michigan. As a result, Mexico has imposed new emergency phytosanitary  import requirements for several U.S. solanaceous products, including seeds, exported to Mexico (see list below). This basically means all the products listed below from anywhere in the U.S. will require a new additional declaration.

The APHIS phytosanitary export database PExD has been updated to include these new measures.  All forms (seeds, fruits, plants) of these host species from anywhere in the U.S. will require the origin and a new Additional Declaration included on Phytosanitary Certificates to Mexico.

Mexico’s new requirements specify the following:

• Products hosting Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (Rs R3 bv2) which are originated, packed or stored in the State of Michigan, USA, are prohibited for exporting to Mexico (list attached below).
• Host products produced or packed outside the State of Michigan, require an International Phytosanitary Certificate (IPC), which clearly specifies the origin of the product and the following additional statement: “The Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (Rs R3 bv2) host material in this shipment was grown, packed, and/or stored outside of the quarantine area”.
• The shipments traveling through the State of Michigan, USA, must be sealed, writing the number of the seal and the container in the section of distinctive brands in the IPC. If the seal is broken by an official for any reason, the official must prepare a declaration of the causes for breaking the seal.
• Before the shipments enter into the quarantine area, they will be covered completely to prevent the entrance of Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (Rs R3 bv2) (for example: a plastic cover). If the product is in a container, the ventilation ducts will be covered. The vehicles will not be opened, unpacked or downloaded in the quarantine area.
• The system to confine and eradicate the outbreak of Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (Rs R3 bv2), must be maintained until the USDA notifies the eradication of the outbreak.
• This General Direction (Mexico), within its powers, will analyze the measures to be applied in the case that other products that may be considered hosts of Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (Rs R3 bv2) are imported.

APHIS plans to ask Mexico to lift these requirements as soon as the Ralstonia infestation has been eradicated. If you need additional information or clarification, please contact Ric Dunkle.