Guatemala: Guatemala Removes Trade Barrier But Next Steps Unclear

On September 19, 2016, Ministerial Decree 160-16 was published effectively rescinding the decree that required site inspections by the Ministry of Agriculture (MAGA) of all U.S. and third-country facilities that exported select non-processed meat and meat products to Guatemala. The previous decree, 382- 2014, most significantly impacted seafood imports causing disruptions in Guatemala’s seafood processing and re-export sectors. U.S. poultry, pork and beef products were exempted under CAFTADR equivalency provisions. According to the new decree, 160-16, MAGA food safety inspections will default to Codex Alimentarius standards and guidelines to ensure the safety of consumers.

Guatemala: Guatemala Removes Trade Barrier But Next Steps Unclear