馃嚡馃嚥 Jamaica 路 Category 5 of 9
HACCP and SPS requirements for food and agricultural exports
Food, plant and animal exports must meet sanitary and phytosanitary controls: a phytosanitary certificate for produce, and HACCP-based food safety for processed goods.
Overview
If you export anything edible or agricultural, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules are the gate you must pass. Fresh produce, plants and grains need a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Plant Quarantine / Produce Inspection Branch of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining (MICAF), confirming the consignment was inspected and is free of regulated pests; increasingly this is issued electronically (e-Phyto), for example for shipments to the United States. Animal products need veterinary health certification from the same ministry. For processed foods (sauces, canned ackee, beverages) destination markets such as the EU and US expect a documented HACCP-based food safety system, and US-bound food facilities generally need FDA registration under FSMA. BSJ supports processors with testing and guidance. Because inspection has to happen close to shipment, book it early and align it with your export declaration so the certificate travels with the goods.
Key requirements
- 1
Phytosanitary certificate for plant products
Have produce, plants and grains inspected by MICAF Plant Quarantine and obtain a phytosanitary (or e-Phyto) certificate before export.
- 2
Veterinary certification for animal products
Obtain animal health / veterinary certification from MICAF for meat, seafood and other animal-origin goods.
- 3
HACCP food safety system
Operate a documented HACCP-based system for processed foods, as required by EU and US buyers.
- 4
Destination registration
Register the facility where the buyer's market requires it, e.g. US FDA food facility registration under FSMA.
- 5
Meet pest and residue limits
Ensure the consignment meets the destination market's pest-freedom and maximum residue limit requirements.
Documents you will need
- Phytosanitary certificate (Plant Quarantine, MICAF)
- Veterinary / animal health certificate (for animal products)
- HACCP plan and food safety records
- Laboratory test / analysis report (BSJ or accredited lab)
- Inspection application form (PQ produce inspection)
- Destination facility registration (e.g. US FDA) where required