Constituent Update - September 26, 2025

Constituent Update - September 26, 2025

FSIS Export Library: Animal Health Restriction Information Moving to APHIS Website

Beginning in early fiscal year 2026, detailed information on animal health restrictions affecting U.S. exports of meat, poultry, and egg products will move from the FSIS Export Library to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website.

By consolidating country-specific export requirements in one place, the export library has become an essential tool in supporting U.S. trade. While FSIS is responsible for posting and maintaining certification requirements, animal health restrictions are negotiated and maintained by APHIS.

After the transition, the Export Library will no longer include the full text of animal health restrictions, but it will still link directly to the APHIS webpage where the information will be maintained and regularly updated by APHIS. The information will also be displayed in a searchable, downloadable excel spreadsheet, meeting industry requests to make this information easier to search, filter, and update.

By taking advantage of improved technology and data systems, USDA can deliver information more efficiently, improve usability for industry, and strengthen the accuracy and reliability of the resources FSIS employees use every day. During the transition period, information may be temporarily available on both the FSIS and APHIS websites. FSIS will provide additional guidance and reference materials to support employees and industry. Questions may be directed through askFSIS.

Stakeholder Engagement: International Government Officials

Deputy Administrator Dr. Denise Eblen joined FSIS' Office of International Coordination in a week-long virtual meeting for 70 international public health and food safety officials from 16 countries. These meetings foster mutual understanding of inspection systems and regulatory frameworks, strengthen relationships with our trading partners, and highlight the transparency and scientific rigor of the U.S. food safety system.

Reminder: FSIS to Onboard Singapore in PHIS Export Component

As announced in the September 12, 2025, Constituent Update, all FSIS meat and poultry product export certificates for products exported to Singapore will be generated, issued and officially maintained in FSIS' Public Health Information System (PHIS) starting on January 12, 2026. This change excludes certificates for casings and egg products. The PHIS Industry Test Environment (ITE) for Singapore available for testing on September 29, 2025.

View the September 12 Constituent Update article for more details and contact [email protected] with questions regarding these changes. Technical questions can be directed to [email protected].

Available for Public Comment

FSIS seeks public comments on proposed rules and notices, which are viewable on the FSIS Federal Register & Rulemaking webpage. FSIS is currently seeking comments on the following:

• Until Oct. 20: Visual Post-Mortem Inspection in Swine Slaughter Establishments
• Until Nov. 14: Availability of Guideline for Applying for Food Safety and Inspection Service Inspection

Policy Update

FSIS notices and directives on public health and regulatory issues are available on the FSIS Policy webpage. The following policy update was recently issued:

FSIS Notice 29-25: Time and Attendance Reporting Procedures for Pay Period 19 2025

Export Requirements Update

The Library of Export Requirements has been updated for products for the following:

• North Macedonia
• South Africa
• Japan
• Mexico
• Hong Kong
• Canada

Complete information can be found at the FSIS Import & Export Library.