Mexico Becomes Transit Point for Chilean Fruit Heading to China

On Dec. 30, 2024, China’s General Administration of Customs issued a new announcement outlining supplementary quarantine requirements for Chilean fresh fruit imported via combined sea/air shipments, with transshipment through a third country. Under the updated regulations, Mexico is now officially permitted as a transit point for these shipments.

Under the new regulations, Chilean fresh fruit that enters China via Mexico will follow the “sea-air combined transport” route, adhering to the stringent sanitary and packaging standards set by China. This arrangement aims to streamline the import process, while ensuring that quarantine and cold chain requirements are fully met, safeguarding the integrity of the fresh produce.

Key points of the new announcement include:

1. Fresh fruit imported via the “sea-air combined transport” method must comply with the General Administration of Customs’ Announcement No. 204 of 2018. This document details the packaging and quarantine requirements for Chilean fruit transshipped through third countries, ensuring that the products are safely transported without compromising their condition. 

2. The Chilean Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG) will continue to oversee the necessary phytosanitary inspections and issue certificates for the fresh fruit. The certificates will now include a special note indicating that the fruit was transshipped via Mexico under the sea/air transport method.

3. The new rules outline specific requirements for the movement of fruit via Mexico:

   • The shipment must be authorized for transit through Mexico, ensuring that the goods are not subjected to unpacking or reinspection while passing through.

   • Upon reaching Mexico by refrigerated vessel, the fruit will be airlifted to China, maintaining the cold chain throughout the entire journey to ensure the integrity of both the fruit and its packaging.

   • The designated entry port for shipments via this method is the Port of Manzanillo in Mexico, with the departure point for air transport being Guadalajara International Airport.

   • The packaging and cargo sealed by SAG must be transported securely from the Mexican seaport to the airport in Mexico. The packaging must be transported in a sealed manner, with the pallets remaining secure and the plastic film or insect-proof net intact.

   • All packaging and cargo sealed by SAG must be loaded into the aircraft’s cargo hold without being opened and transported to a designated airport in China for fruit imports.

4. Upon arrival at China’s designated entry ports, all shipments will undergo phytosanitary inspection in accordance with the established protocols. Any shipments found to be non-compliant with quarantine regulations will be subject to the appropriate treatments as detailed in the relevant customs announcements.