Proyecto de Modificación de la Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-022-FITO-1995, Requisitos y especificaciones que deben de cumplir las personas morales para la prestación de servicios de tratamientos fitosanitarios, para quedar como Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-022-SAG/FITO-2016, Especificaciones, criterios y procedimientos fitosanitarios para las personas físicas o morales que presten servicios de tratamientos fitosanitarios (Draft amendment to Mexican Official Standard NOM-022-FITO-1995: Requirements and specifications to be met by legal persons for the provision of phytosanitary treatment services, the title of which has changed to Mexican Official Standard NOM-022-SAG/FITO-2016: Specifications, criteria and phytosanitary procedures for natural and legal persons providing phytosanitary treatment services)

Mexican Official Standard NOM-022-FITO-1995 is being amended to take into account current circumstances and needs regarding the national verification and certification process for products of plant origin. It describes the phytosanitary measures to be applied by companies providing phytosanitary treatment services and by Ministry support bodies in order to reduce the risk of quarantine pests being introduced and spread via international trade movements, movements within the country, or exported goods.

The notified text updates domestic legislation so as to ensure the proper certification of regulated goods. It also seeks to mitigate the risk of introducing non-compliant goods, to facilitate the movement of products of plant origin destined for free zones or low-prevalence zones, and to reduce operating costs relating to the application of phytosanitary treatments.

The National Agriculture and Food Health, Safety and Quality Service (SENASICA), as the competent authority, has specific responsibilities regarding the control and regulation not only of companies providing phytosanitary treatment services, but of the services themselves. It carries out inspections (random documentation checks and physical inspections in places at risk) aimed at treatment users and providers.