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Argentina

Library Updates

Export - 11/21/2018, AR-30

Import - 2/28/2022, AR-01

Export Requirements

Last update Nov 21, 2018

  1. Beef, beef products, and beef offals derived from cattle that were born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States or from cattle legally imported and slaughtered in the United States.
  2. Pork pancreas glands for pharmaceutical use.
  3. Natural Salted Swine Casings.
  4. Pork and Pork Products that are Thermally Processed/Commercially Sterile (canned).
  5. Pork and Pork Products that are Fresh or frozen that:
    1. Tested negative for Trichinella SPP. by a digestion method assay as described in the FSIS Compliance Guideline for the Prevention and Control of Trichinella and Other Parasitic Hazards in Pork and Products Containing Pork and approved by CODEX Guidelines For The Control of Trichinella SPP. in Meat of Suidae CAC/GL 86-2015; or
    2. The raw pork or products were, or are derived, from raw pork that was subject to a freezing, cooking, or curing/drying process validated by FSIS that guarantees the destruction of the parasite Trichinella spiralis, as described in the FSIS Compliance Guideline for the Prevention and Control of Trichinella and Other Parasitic Hazards in Pork and Products Containing Pork and approved by CODEX Guidelines For The Control of Trichinella SPP. in Meat of Suidae CAC/GL 86-2015; or
    3. Are sourced from swine and swine enterprise that are certified participants in the National Pork Board’s Pork Quality Assurance (PQAPlus) program. Establishment’s presenting pork or pork products for FSIS export certification under a PQAPlus program must produce the product under either the AMS PQAPlus Pork EV program for Argentina or the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) PQAPlus Pork Sourcing Verification Program (APHIS PSVP) as verified by FSIS inspection at the time of export certification. FSIS inspection program personnel must have access to the establishment AMS PQAPlus Pork EV program or APHIS PSVP written program and records at all times upon request. These documents are to be kept at the establishment.
      1. AMS PQAPlus Pork EV Program:
        1. Information about the porcine EV program can be accessed at the AMS Porcine Export Verification Program for Argentina. A list of AMS EV approved establishments can be obtained from AMS' web site. Details for AMS export verification programs can be accessed from the Export Verification (EV) Programs Additional Requirements (QAD 1030) on the AMS' web site. The purpose, scope, and program elements of the AMS PQAPlus Pork EV program can be accessed from PQA Plus Pork Export Verification (EV) Program (QAD 1008 Procedure).
        2. FSIS inspection program personnel are to verify that each consignment presented for export under this verification program was produced in compliance with the establishment’s written program. The written program complies with the AMS PQAPlus Pork EV Program, the Export Verification (EV) Programs Additional Requirements and the PQA Plus Pork Export Verification (EV) Program (QAD 1008 Procedure).
        3. The establishment must provide supporting documentation upon request to verify the product was produced in compliance with the AMS PQAPlus Pork EV Program, was properly segregated throughout production and storage, and the producing and exporting establishment are listed on the AMS' Web site. If the pork was purchased from a different source supplier for export, or further processing then export, the establishment must provide documentation that the source supplier is also a participant in the AMS PQAPlus Program.
        4. The unique product identification system can be accessed by authorized FSIS inspection personnel from the SharePoint.
      2. APHIS PQAPlus Pork Sourcing Verification Program (APHIS PSVP):
        1. Information about the APHIS PSVP and a list of Participating FSIS Establishments is available on the APHIS website.
        2. FSIS inspection program personnel are to verify that each consignment presented for export under the APHIS PSVP program was produced in compliance with the establishment’s written program.
        3. The establishment must provide supporting documentation upon request to verify the product was produced in compliance with the APHIS PSVP, was properly segregated throughout production and storage, and the producing and exporting establishment are on the Participating FSIS Establishments list. If the pork was purchased from a different source supplier for export or further processing then export, the establishment must provide documentation that the source supplier is also a participant in the APHIS PSVP.
        4. The unique product identification system can be accessed by authorized FSIS inspection personnel from the SharePoint.
      3. FSIS inspection program personnel must have access to the establishment AMS PQAPlus Pork EV or APHIS PSVP written programs and records at all times upon request. These documents are to be kept at the establishment. If FSIS inspection program personnel become aware that an AMS PQAPlus EV or APHIS PSVP establishment is not properly executing its written program, they should:
        1. Not issue or sign the FSIS From 9060-5 Export Certificate of Wholesomeness for the consignment(s) in question and follow the instruction in follow Dir. 9000.1 and document their observations in an MOI issued to the establishment and copy their supervisory chain;
        2. For an AMS inspection program personnel will notify AMS at QAD.AuditService@usda.gov.
        3. For an APHIS PSVP inspection program personnel will notify APHIS at ExportsProducts@usda.gov.
        4. The following information should be included in the message:
          • Establishment name, address, and establishment number;
          • Product type, product code, and quantity of product
          • Date of production, lot number, and shift
          • Date and nature of observation
          • Name of country product is intended for export
          • Export certificate number (if applicable)
          • Any other information to verify claim
          • Name of inspection official
        5. Inspection personnel should include their immediate supervisor and IEPDS at ImportExport@usda.gov on messages to AMS and APSH regarding program deficiency concerns and maintain a copy of the message in the inspection office export file.
        6. Meat and poultry products destined for ship’ stores.

  1. Beef, beef products, and beef offals derived in whole or in part from imported beef. 
  2. Beef, beef products, and beef offals that have been irradiated as a pathogen reduction treatment and bear the RADURA logo or are otherwise labeled as an irradiated product (ex. such as “Treated with Irradiation”). 
  3. Pork and pork products derived in whole or in part from imported pork.
  4. Pork offals derived from internal organs.
  5. Pork and pork products that have been irradiated as a pathogen reduction treatment and bear the RADURA logo or otherwise labeled as an irradiated product (ex. such as “Treated with Irradiation”).
  6. Sheep and sheep products.
  7. Poultry and poultry products. 

  1. Bilingual labels must be pre-approved by SENASA prior to export. 
  2. Bilingual labels are generally provided by the exporter to the importer for pre-approval to SENASA as part of the importer’s permit application.
  3. All label elements must be bilingual, in English and Spanish language, and include: 
    1. Sales name of product;
    2. Product Description (e.g., pork loin, frozen or chilled);
    3. US Exporter number;
    4. Argentine Importer number;
    5. Handling/Storage Instructions;
    6. Expiration Date;
    7. Weight (Unit kg); and
    8. Product Registration Number.
  4. Label approval is notified to the importer by SENASA. 
  5. After approval by SENASA, the bilingual label will contain the exporter number, importer number and product registration number as provided by SENASA.
  6. Bilingual labels may be applied to the product by the exporter or the importer. 

  1. Beef, beef products, and beef offals - Obtain FSIS Form 9060-5, Export Certificate of Wholesomeness and FSIS Letterhead Certificate for the Export of Beef, Beef Products, and Beef Offals to Argentina.
  2. Fresh or Frozen and thermally processed/commercially sterile pork and pork products:
    Note: On the FSIS Letterhead Certificate, the non-applicable trichinae mitigation(s) and AMS PQAPlus or APHIS PSVP program must be struck through and signed with the full name of the FSIS certifying official beside the strike through, in blue ink.

    Note: The establishment must have an acceptable control program to identify and segregate pork found to be trichinae-free destruction of the parasite Trichinella spiralis. Laboratories used to conduct the analysis must participate in the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Laboratory Approval Program (LAP) for Exports for Trichinae Analysis. Information about the program can be obtained from AMS' website.
    1. Obtain and complete FSIS Form 9060-5, Export Certificate of Wholesomeness, and the [FSIS Letterhead Certificate].
    2. Fresh/frozen pork and pork products exported to Argentina must be verified by FSIS inspection by supporting documentation from the exporter that the product was either:
      1. tested negative for trichinosis by digestion method assay; OR
      2. was subject to a freezing, cooking, or curing/drying process that guarantees the destruction of the parasite Trichinella spiralis, as described in FSIS Compliance Guideline for the Prevention and Control of Trichinella and Other Parasitic Hazards in Pork and Products Containing Pork (2018) and approved by CODEX Guidelines For The Control of Trichinella SPP. in Meat of Suidae CAC/GL 86-2015;OR
      3. was derived from swine and swine enterprises with certified participation in the National Pork Board’s PQAPlus program as verified by establishment participation in the AMS PQAPlus Pork EV program or the APHIS PSVP.
  3. Natural Salted Swine Casings:
    1. Obtain and complete FSIS Form 9060-7, Export Certificate of Wholesomeness, and the [FSIS Letterhead Certificate for casings].
  4. Edible Pork Pancreases glands for Pharmaceutical Use
    1. Obtain FSIS form 9060-5.
    2. The shipping containers must be marked "For Pharmaceutical Use Only."
  5. Meat and poultry products destined for ship’ stores:
    1. ?Obtain and complete FSIS Form 9060-5: USDA Meat And Poultry Export Certificate of Wholesomeness
    2. The FSIS Form 9060-5 Remarks block shall include the statement:
      Product destined for ship’ stores in transit.
      And
      Identify the means of transport and the commercial seal number.

  1. Beef, beef products, beef offals, and pork and pork products must be registered with Argentina prior to export. To register imported products, the exporter must submit a bilingual (English and Spanish) industry monograph that lists descriptive characteristics of each product for which a company seeks eligibility for import to Argentina. Each company monograph may register the same individual products produced at different establishments under the same company ownership. A monograph describes how the product is processed and/or packed, the product formulation with ingredients listed in decreasing percentage order. If a thermal treatment was used to produce the product, this information should also be included in the monograph. The monograph must be signed by the individual at the producing establishment responsible as the sanitary authority and does NOT require the signature of a U.S. government competent authority.
  2. Industry monographs must be submitted for product registration to Argentina’s Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASA). For U.S. products, the exporter/establishment may submit the monograph to SENASA in three ways:
    1. Directly to the importer to file with an import permit application, or
    2. Via email to SENASA Coordinacion Generale de Aprobacion de Productos Alimenticios (CAPA) at: CAPA@SENASA.gob.ar, or
    3. Via mail at AZOPARDO 1020, 2nd piso, CABA, Buenos Aires.
  3. For U.S. exports, exporters/producers should work with their importers to complete this registration and may confer with FAS Buenos Aires (AgBuenosAires@usda.gov) for any additional questions or support.
  4. Additionally, the exporter/producer of pork, pork products, beef, beef products and beef offals must provide Argentina’s import authority, SENASA, with additional information through an industry affidavit, bill of lading, customs form, and/or unloading permit before the product can move into the commercial system. The additional information must include:
    1. Date of production;
    2. Temperature of the product(s);
    3. Type of packaging (industry monograph);
    4. Shelf Life (by product);
    5. Slaughter establishment;
    6. Producer establishment;
    7. Address;
    8. Container information (bill of lading); and
    9. Seal number (bill of lading).

    Note: Exporters that are pursuing monograph approvals are advised to contact USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Buenos Aires, Argentina via email at: AgBuenosAires@usda.gov or via phone at: (011-54-11) 5777-4627 for additional information and assistance on this process.

  1. All FSIS inspected establishment  are eligible to export eligible products to Argentina. 
  2. Pork pancreas glands for pharmaceutical use can be harvested from all federally inspected pork establishments.

Import Requirements

Last update Feb 28, 2022

Process Category
Product Category
Product Group
Process Raw - Intact
Eligible Products Raw Intact Beef
Product category Beef - All Products Eligible except Cheek Meat; Head Meat; Heart Meat; and Weasand Meat
Process Raw - Non Intact
Eligible Products Raw Ground, Comminuted, or Otherwise Non-intact Beef
Product category Beef - All Products Eligible except Advanced Meat Recovery Product (AMR); Finely Textured Beef (FTB); Low Temperature Rendered Product (LTRP); Other Non-Intact; Partially Defatted Beef Fatty Tissue (PDBFT); and Partially Defatted chipped Beef (PDCB)

Additional Information

The products identified in the table above are eligible for export from Argentina to the United States as determined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Equivalence Process. 

Source materials used to produce product intended for export to the United States must originate from a certified establishment in an eligible country that has an equivalent raw or processed products inspection system.

The above are the Process Categories, Product Categories, and Product Groups as listed in the FSIS Product Categorization document and defined in the Public Health Information System (PHIS).

APHIS Animal Disease Requirements for Argentina

The USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) restricts certain animal products from entering the United States because of animal disease conditions in the country of origin. Applicable APHIS animal disease requirements that may have an impact on Argentina’s eligibility to export product to the United States are listed below:

Beef imported from Argentina is subjected to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) requirements specified in 9 CFR 94.18 or 9 CFR 94.19. In addition, Argentina is affected with Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and beef is subjected to requirements in 9 CFR 94.4, except beef imported from the region of Argentina that consists of Patagonia North “B” and Patagonia South which is subjected to animal health requirements specified in 9 CFR 94.11. Fresh (chilled or frozen) beef imported from the Northern Argentina region is subjected to animal health requirements specified 9 CFR 94.29.

For information or questions concerning a country’s animal disease status and restrictions please contact the APHIS Veterinary Services, Strategy and Policy, Animal Product Import and Export at:

USDA-APHIS
Veterinary Services, Strategy and Policy, Animal Product Import and Export (APIE)
4700 River Road, Unit 40
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: (301) 851-3300
E-mail: APIE@USDA.GOV

Link to Argentina’s Certified Establishment List

A certified establishment is an establishment that the Central Competent Authority (CCA) of the foreign country has certified as meeting the requirements of the inspection system that FSIS has determined equivalent to the United States inspection system and, therefore, eligible to export meat, poultry, or egg products to the United States.  

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2021