As FSIS undergoes organizational refinement, the agency is taking a step toward improving its regulatory data exchange process between the U.S. and Mexico. FSIS and Mexico are collaborating to prepare a paperless electronic certification (eCert) direct data exchange between FSIS’ Public Health Information System (PHIS) and Mexico’s system for products under FSIS’ jurisdiction, according to the agency’s July 18 Constituent Update.
Discussions for the system are covering U.S. imports and U.S. exports, and FSIS says the goal is to send and receive eCert data directly between the two countries’ systems without the need for an accompanying paper certificate.
The collaboration reportedly follows Mexico’s onboarding into the PHIS export component in November 2024 for digitally signed FSIS Form 9060-5 series certificates. Furthermore, the system is designed to further advance FSIS’ goals of modernizing and digitizing certification processes where possible, the agency says. FSIS notes a significant difference from the November 2024 onboarding is that eCert will allow Mexico to receive and view required data and information directly in Mexico’s electronic system.
FSIS says its eCert effort with Mexico aims to enhance traceability, reduce fraud, and modernize U.S.-Mexico trade in meat and poultry products. The agency plans to share more updates on the collaboration in future Constituent Updates.
