Mexico has updated rules around imports of apples from Eastern Canada, a move the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says will reduce costs for Canadian exporters.
“Easing trade barriers is crucial for market expansion, and this new protocol will streamline the export process, diversify Canadian apple exports, and meet the evolving preferences of Mexican consumers,” said Canadian Produce Marketing Association president Ron Lemaire in a federal news release on Tuesday.
The change allows the CFIA to inspect and register cold treatment facilities which eliminates the need for in-person inspections by Mexican officials.
Cold treatment is a phytosanitary process related to control of pests, according to the CFIA’s website.
The CFIA will maintain a list of registered facilities in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Exporters will be required to use these facilities to ship apples to Mexico.
