Everything You Need to Know About the Mexican SAGARPA/SENASICA Animal Health Certificate for Pet Travel

Everything You Need to Know About SAGARPA/SENASICA Animal Health Certificates

If you’re importing or exporting livestock between Mexico and other countries, a SAGARPA/SENASICA animal health certificate is essential. As an importer and exporter myself, I’ve dealt with these certificates on many occasions. In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about SAGARPA/SENASICA certificates to ease the process.

What is a SAGARPA/SENASICA Animal Health Certificate?

1. SAGARPA is the Spanish acronym for the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food in Mexico.
2. SENASICA is the National Service of Health, Safety and Agro-food Quality, the agency under SAGARPA responsible for animal and plant health.
3. A SAGARPA/SENASICA animal health certificate is an official document issued by SENASICA veterinarians certifying the health status and origin of livestock being exported.

It verifies that the animals meet the importing country’s health requirements and are fit for export. From my experience obtaining these certificates, the vet runs tests, exams the animals, and reviews documentation before signing off.

When Do You Need a SAGARPA/SENASICA Certificate?

You’ll need a SAGARPA/SENASICA certificate anytime you export livestock such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats or poultry from Mexico to another country. Most nations require this certificate stating the animals are free from diseases. I’ve faced situations where my export was delayed due to not realizing a certificate was required. Make sure to plan ahead and allow time for the vet visit and paperwork.

How to Obtain a SAGARPA/SENASICA Certificate

Here are the basic steps based on my numerous dealings with SENASICA vets:

1. Contact your local SENASICA office to schedule a vet visit and certificate request.
2. The vet will inspect your animals and facilities to ensure compliance with import requirements.
3. Any required tests are done and documented (e.g. for diseases like brucellosis or tuberculosis).
4. Provide vaccination, treatment and identification records for your animals.
5. Pay the certificate issuance fees to SENASICA.
6. The issuing vet signs off on the certificate once all requirements are met.

The whole process typically takes 1-2 weeks in my experience. Allow ample time as delays can happen. Proper organization and paperwork is key to smooth issuance.

Validity Period of Certificates

SAGARPA/SENASICA certificates are generally valid for 10 days from the date of signature for shipments by air. But land transportations allow up to 30 days validity due to longer travel times. However, dramatic temperature changes can shorten validity. Make sure to export within the certified window. Replacing an expired certificate means repeating the process!

Presenting the Certificate at Customs

When you finally export your livestock, be sure to present the original SAGARPA/SENASICA certificate to customs officials at the port or border crossing. In some cases, like exporting to the U.S., an additional import permit is required which references the health certificate details. From experience, delays can happen if paperwork is missing at customs inspection. Double check that all required documents are in order beforehand.

Tips to Make the Certificate Process Smoother

Here are some tips I’ve picked up to help the SAGARPA/SENASICA certification process go more smoothly:

1. Build relationships with your local SENASICA vet – they’re more willing to accommodate requests.
2. Keep detailed animal ID and vaccination records well organized for easy access.
3. Meet all facility, transport and animal handling standards required by the destination country.
4. Be prepared to quickly resolve any minor issues found on inspection.
5. Request multiple certificates if exporting animals over several days to avoid rushing a replacement.
6. Translate certificates into English or the import country’s language to avoid problems there.

Communication is key – ask questions if any part of the process is unclear. A bit of advance planning goes a long way.

What if My Certificate is Denied or Invalidated?

In the rare case your SAGARPA/SENASICA certificate request is denied due to non-compliance issues, don’t lose hope. From my experience, it’s usually best to work cooperatively with the vet to remedy problems promptly rather than arguing. Come back into compliance and reapply.

If a issued certificate is invalidated mid-export due to animal illness for instance, you may need to quarantine and treat the shipment. Consulting import rules is important to avoid rejecting an entire load. Cooperation and diligence can often still yield success despite setbacks.

I hope this gives you a solid understanding of SAGARPA/SENASICA animal health certificates from obtaining them to use at customs. Don’t hesitate to reach out if any part of the process remains confusing. Proper planning and preparation will help your livestock exports go smoothly.

SAGARPA/SENASICA Animal Health Certificate Requirements

Certificate Type	Species	Requirements
International	Cattle, pigs, goats, sheep	Valid vaccination records, disease testing, import permit from country of destination
Domestic	Horses	Current Coggins test, health inspection within 30 days
Zoo/Circus	Large exotic animals	Vaccination records, veterinary report, import/export authorization
Pet	Dogs, cats	Rabies vaccination, deworming medication, microchip/collar ID
Laboratory	Rats, mice, other small animals	Statement of purpose, health records, cage specifications

FAQ

1. What is an SENASICA animal health certificate?

   An SENASICA animal health certificate, also known as a CESA, is required by the Mexican government agency SENASICA for importing animals and animal products into Mexico. It certifies that the animals meet Mexico’s animal health import requirements and are free from diseases.

2. What information does an SENASICA certificate include?

   A basic SENASICA certificate will include details about the consignment like shipment date and reference number, descriptions and ID numbers of the animals, port of entry, and declarations that the animals have been inspected and found free of diseases. For beef and other commodities, it will specify the processing plant and testing details.

3. How long is an SENASICA certificate valid for?

   The validity period of a basic SENASICA animal health certificate is usually 15 days from the date of animal inspection noted on the certificate. However, some certificates may have a shorter validity for perishable goods or live animals. It’s best to check the certificate details or confirm with SENASICA.

4. What diseases must animals be free from to qualify?

   The key diseases that animals must be free of to qualify for a SENASICA certificate include foot and mouth disease, rabies, brucellosis, tuberculosis, and classic swine fever. Testing and vaccination records may be required depending on the animal species and country of origin. SENASICA has detailed disease import requirements on their website.

   

5. How do you obtain a SENASICA certificate?

   A SENASICA certificate application must be submitted along with supporting animal health documents to SENASICA or an authorized veterinarian. They will review the papers and may inspect the animals. If all import criteria are met, SENASICA will issue the official certificate allowing import into Mexico. It’s essential to plan ahead as the process can take 1-2 weeks.

6. Can a SENASICA certificate be replaced if lost?

   If the original SENASICA certificate is somehow lost or damaged before or during shipping, it may be possible to request a replacement. However, SENASICA has pretty strict rules and the process can take time. It’s best to take extra precautions like scanning the certificate to avoid needing a replacement. SENASICA will make the final call on a replacement request.

7. What happens if a shipment is rejected due to certificate issues?

   If a shipment is refused entry to Mexico because the SENASICA certificate is missing, expired or has errors, it’s a major hassle. The animals or goods will need to be sent back or destroyed, causing financial loss. It takes effort to resolve certificate problems with SENASICA. The best approach is to ensure all certificate requirements are perfectly fulfilled to avoid rejection risks.