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Export Requirements for Russia

RU-176 (Sep 5, 2008)

Asterisks (*) indicate the most recent revision to these requirements. To search, click on your browser's "Edit" menu, then click on "Find (on this page)". Enter "*" in the "Find What" field, then click "Find" or "Find Next" until all asterisks have been identified.


Eligible/Ineligible Product
  1. Eligible
    1. Poultry and poultry products (including bulk-packed ground poultry)
    2. Pork and pork products
    3. Deboned beef, bone-in beef, and beef byproducts derived from cattle less than 30 months of age. The beef and beef byproducts must be derived from cattle raised in the United States and must be processed in a manner to prevent contamination with brain, spinal cord, eyes, skull, and vertebral column regardless of the age of the animal. Eligible beef and beef byproducts must be produced under an approved AMS Export Verification (EV) program for beef to Russia. Information about the EV program for Russia can be obtained from AMS' Web site.

      If FSIS inspection personnel become aware of concerns that an AMS approved EV establishment is not properly executing its EV program, export certification should not be issued for the product in question and AMS should be notified at ARCBranch@usda.gov. Inspection personnel should include their immediate supervisor on messages to AMS. 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
    4. Horsemeat
    5. Baby food containing beef imported from Australia and/or New Zealand is eligible for export to Russia.
  2. Ineligible
    1. Beef and beef products other than those identified in the Eligible Products section above and all bison meat and bison meat products.
    2. Red meat - Importation of ground red meat, packaged in bulk form or in the form of meat patties, is prohibited by the Russian authorities.
    3. Lamb, sheep, and goat products. However, fully cooked, canned baby food containing lamb is eligible for export to Russia.
    4. Consumer size packages of ground poultry, mechanically deboned poultry, and giblets are not eligible for export to Russia.
    5. Meat and Poultry imported into the United States from third countries
    6. Beef products originating from animals raised in states with counties which have had confirmed bovine cases of vesicular stomatitis within the last 12 months. Beef products originating from animals raised in Texas slaughtered on or after February 1, 2008 are eligible.
    7. Horsemeat originating from establishments located in the State of Texas. Horsemeat derived from animals slaughtered on or after February 1, 2008 is eligible.
    8. Fresh/frozen poultry meat derived from birds raised or processed in the State of West Virginia and slaughtered on or after April 1, 2007, but prior to September 18, 2007 is ineligible. Meat derived from birds slaughtered prior to April 1, 2007 or slaughtered on or after September 18, 2007 is eligible.
    9. Fresh/frozen poultry meat derived from birds raised or processed in the State of Minnesota and slaughtered on or after May 2, 2007, but prior to August 2, 2007, is ineligible. Meat derived from birds slaughtered prior to May 2, 2007 or slaughtered on or after August 2, 2007 is eligible.
    10. Fresh/frozen poultry meat derived from birds raised or processed in the State of Virginia and slaughtered on or after July 7, 2007, but prior to October 12, 2007, is ineligible. Meat derived from birds slaughtered prior to July 7, 2007 or slaughtered on or after October 12, 2007, is eligible.
    11. Fresh/frozen poultry meat derived from birds raised or processed in the State of South Dakota and slaughtered on or after November 15, 2007, but prior to February 13, 2008, is ineligible. Meat derived from birds slaughtered prior to November 15, 2007, or slaughtered on or after February 13, 2008, is eligible.
    12. Fresh/Frozen poultry meat derived from birds raised or processed in the State of North Carolina and slaughtered on or after May 3, 2008, is ineligible. Meat derived from birds slaughtered prior to May 3, 2008, is eligible.
    13. Fresh/Frozen poultry meat derived from birds raised or processed in the State of Arkansas and slaughtered on or after June 2, 2008, but prior to August 28, 2008, is ineligible. Meat derived from birds slaughtered prior to June 2, 2008, or slaughtered on or after August 28, 2008, is eligible.

Labeling
  1. All meat and poultry and meat and poultry products exported to the Russian Federation in consumer ready packages must have Russian language labeling including the following if applicable:
    1. name of the product;
    2. name of the company (may be in English only);
    3. country of origin;
    4. metric weight;
    5. establishment number;
    6. conditions of storage;
    7. best before date or date of production and shelf life;
    8. ingredient statement;
    9. nutritional value, i.e. calories per gram (the designation need not be in terms of serving size);
    10. instructions for use (for processed products).

    Russia permits the application of Russian language stickers to consumer ready packages in bonded warehouses at the port of entry prior to entering Russian Customs.

  2. Fresh/Frozen Poultry Labeling Requirements - In addition to U.S. Domestic labeling requirements each carton must bear a label in Russian with the following information. Effective March 1, 2004, metric net weights must be indicated on the label and on the export certificate.
    1. name of company,
    2. name of product,
    3. establishment number,
    4. "Product of USA for Export to Russia,"
    5. metric net weight, and
    6. production date (day, month, year)
    7. use by date or expiration date (day, month, year); The expiration date for poultry parts is 12 months from the date of production. The expiration date for mechanically deboned poultry is 3 months from the date of production.
  3. Fresh/Frozen Beef and Pork Labeling Requirements - In addition to U.S. Domestic labeling requirements each carton must bear a label in Russian with the following information. Effective March 1, 2004, metric net weights must be indicated on the label and on the export certificate.
    1. name of company,
    2. name of product,
    3. establishment number,
    4. country of origin,
    5. metric net weight, and
    6. packing date.
  4. Conditions for use of Russian language stickers - Russian language "stickers" can be applied to containers without FSIS sketch approval of a labeling deviation if the container already bears an acceptable label and if a letter of guarantee is on file stating that the "sticker" is an accurate translation of the information required above.

Documentation Requirements

Pre-Notification of Export Certificates
Effective with certificates issued on or after August 6, 2008, Russia's Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance Service requires advance e-mail notification of all scheduled shipments of U.S. poultry, pork and beef, using FSIS Forms 9450-4, 9450-3 and 9450-5, respectively. It is the responsibility of the exporting establishment or exporter to assure that notification is provided. Exporters should coordinate closely with the exporting establishment to ensure that proper notification has been made. Notification must be received at the address provided in the attached instructions prior to arrival of the product in Russia.

The export establishments will send emails with attached PDF of the export certificate as follows:
  1. Email Submission Requirements:
    1. The subject line of the email format: "EXPORT CERTIFICATE [Enter Unique RFA or RFP Six-Digit Export Certificate Number] FOR ESTABLISHMENT # [Enter Establishment Number Where Certificate was Issued]". The words EXPORT CERTIFICATE and FOR ESTABLISHMENT must be included in the subject line.
    2. Each email will have only one attachment, one email per export certificate
    3. The attachment must be a PDF format of the scanned Export Certificate
    4. The attachment naming format: "[Export Certificate Number, RFA- or RFP-XXXXXX].pdf"
  2. Scan section 1, 2 and 3 of FSIS Forms 9450-4, 9450-3 or 9450-5, folding the certificate under as necessary.
  3. Send emails to ExportCertificates@fsis.usda.gov. 


Russian officials are rejecting correction letters from FSIS regarding inadvertent errors on meat and poultry export certificates. Exporters are warned to be especially careful when preparing export documents for product shipping to Russia in order to avoid additional costs and possible rejection at ports of entry.

  1. Certification Requirements - Advisory -- Import permits should be dated in advance of shipping and copies of export documents should be sent with the ship. Original documents are not required to be on the ship.
    1. Raw poultry - Please refer to the PLANTS ELIGIBLE TO EXPORT section for current information about plant eligibility.
      1. Effective immediately, obtain carbon set FSIS 9450-4 (03/10/2006), Veterinary Certificate for Export of Poultry Meat to the Russian Federation. All certificates with signature dates after May 25, 2006, must be the 03/10/2006 version of FSIS 9450-4. The previous version (8/27/2002) must not be signed after May 25, 2006. The last bullet point in Statement 4.2 regarding avian influenza has been revised in the new version. The new statement certifies that highly pathogenic avian influenza and low pathogenic H5 and H7 serotypes were not reported in the state for the last 3 months. All states comply with this requirement at this time. A guideline for 9450-4 has been developed to assist in the preparation of this certificate. This certificate has a preprinted certificate number and is a controlled document. FSIS Form 9060-5, Meat and Poultry Certificate of Wholesomeness should not be issued. If necessary, obtain carbon set FSIS 9450-4B (8/27/2002), Continuation Sheet for the Veterinary Certificate for Export of Poultry Meat to the Russian Federation. Single sheet versions of these certificates must not be used. Information about the U.S. government eagle watermark on these certificates is contained in Export Notice 2005-3.
      2. FSIS veterinary signatures.
        1. The FSIS 9450-4 requires two FSIS veterinary signatures. The first signature should be provided according to current export certification procedures. The FSIS 9450-4B requires only one signature and must be signed at the same time the first signature is provided on the FSIS 9450-4. The triplicate copies of these certificates must be retained by FSIS after the first signature.
        2. In situations where product is loaded for break bulk shipments or when ocean vessel containers are loaded at non-FSIS locations, AMS must receive the 9450-4 (photo copy or fax is acceptable) to provide them information concerning the shipment they are contracted to certify. The second signature on the 9450-4 must be provided only after confirmation of the status of the product and the condition of the container or ship according to the AMS Russian Export Certification Program. Upon receipt of a signed PY 210 (original - copy or fax is acceptable). Poultry Products Grading Certificate, issued by AMS personnel as stated in the AMS program, the second FSIS signature can be provided. Information about the AMS program can be obtained from AMS Poultry Grading at 202-720-4411 or by referring to the AMS Web site "Export Certification Program Russian Federation" http://www.ams.usda.gov/poultry. AMS also approves third party certifying contractors to confirm the status of the product and the condition of the container or ship. A list of the approved third party contractors can be obtained from the AMS website indicated above. In this case, the approved third party contractor will issue certification confirming the status of the product and the condition of the container or ship.
        3. In the case of product loaded into ocean vessel containers for transport to Russia at FSIS inspected establishments, both signatures on the 9450-4 should be provided after the container is loaded. The AMS program is not applicable in this situation.
        4. The FSIS rubber export stamp must be applied in the indicated space to the left of the second signature block on the 9450-4 at the time of the second signature. The stamp should first be adjusted to show no certificate number. The FSIS veterinarian providing the second signature must initial the stamp in the open area where the certificate number would normally appear. Stickers bearing the export stamp must not be applied to the export certificate. The use of a sticker rather than the rubber export stamp on the certificate could result in a refused shipment and delistment of the plant.
        5. The first and second signatures are not required to be made by the same FSIS veterinarian, but could be by the same person depending on the means of transport, the place of certification, and the location of the certifying veterinarian. After the second signature, FSIS retains the quadruplicate copy which should be maintained with other documents pertinent to the shipment.
        6. The duplicate copy of the 9450-4 and the duplicate copy of the 9450-4B, if applicable, must be on board the ship at the time of departure from the U.S.
      3. Replacement of FSIS Form 9450-4 (03/10/2006)
        1. FSIS Form 9450-4 (03/10/2006) can be replaced up to the time of departure of product from the United States by returning the original certificate and at least the duplicate copy bearing the same serial number to FSIS. FSIS will replace the original with a new certificate with a different serial number provided that the changed information meets the criteria specified for replacement of FSIS Form 9060-5 found FSIS Directive 9000.1.
        2. No replacement certificate will be allowed after the product departs from the U.S.
        3. Replacement certificates for change of destination from Russian to another eligible country may be done as per FSIS Directive 9000.1.
        4. Call the FSIS Technical Service Center for further information about replacement certificates at (402) 344-5000.
    2. Raw pork and pork byproducts, including bacon and pork for retail sale. Effective February 1, 2007. a new edition (11/16/2006) of FSIS 9450-3, Veterinary Certificate for Frozen Pork Meat and By-Products Exported into the Russian Federation for Processing or Retail Sale, must be used to certify raw pork intended for export to Russia. Until February 1, 2007, either the previous edition FSIS 9450-3 (8/11/2005) or the new edition FSIS 9450-3 (11/16/2006) may be used.

      A guideline for 9450-3 (11/16/2006) has been developed to assist in the preparation of this certificate. This carbon set certificate has a preprinted certificate number and is a controlled document. FSIS Form 9060-5, Meat and Poultry Certificate of Wholesomeness should not be issued. If a continuation sheet is necessary, obtain carbon set FSIS 9450-3A (11/16/2006), Continuation Sheet for the Veterinary Certificate for Pork Meat Exported into the Russian Federation. A watermark, the U.S. government eagle, must appear on the first page of these carbon set forms. The eagle watermark may appear at random locations on the page. Note: The carbon paper used with 9450-3 may not extend to all of the information blocks on the certificate. Certificate preparers should confirm that all information entered onto the original certificate is transferred to the copies. In addition, the carbon paper used with the 9450-3A continuation sheet may include the signature block. In those cases, the carbon paper must be removed from the continuation sheet set before the certificate is signed to ensure original signatures on each copy.

      Pork meat for further processing or for retail sale in Russia must be subjected to one of the time and temperature treatment for trichina indicated in Table 2 of 9 CFR 318.10. The time and temperature chart on the certificate must be marked to indicate the specific treatment used. Pork meat for retail sale no longer must be derived from carcasses individually tested for trichina when certified with FSIS 9450-3 (11/16/2006).  It is not necessary for containers of treated pork to be marked according to 9 CFR 325.7, but it is the responsibility of plant management to assure the FSIS veterinarian signing the document that the swine from which the pork meat is derived and the product are eligible and complies with all certification statements. Records supporting the assurances by plant management must be available for review.

      The FSIS rubber export stamp must be applied in the indicated space to the right of the signature block on the 9450-3 (11/16/2006) at the time of signature. The stamp should first be adjusted to show no certificate number. The FSIS veterinarian signing the certificate must initial the stamp in the open area where the certificate number would normally appear. Stickers bearing the export stamp must not be applied to the export certificate. The use of a sticker rather than the rubber export stamp on the certificate could result in a refused shipment and delistment of the plant.
    3. Raw beef and beef byproducts- Obtain carbon set FSIS 9450-5 (12/01/2006), Veterinary Certificate for Beef and Beef By-Products Exported from the USA to the Russian Federation.

      A guideline for 9450-5 (12/01/2006) has been developed to assist in the preparation of this certificate.  This carbon set certificate has a preprinted certificate number and is a controlled document. FSIS Form 9060-5, Meat and Poultry Certificate of Wholesomeness should not be issued. If a continuation sheet is necessary, obtain carbon set FSIS 9450-5A (12/01/2006), Continuation Sheet for the Veterinary Certificate for Beef and Beef By-Products Exported from the USA to the Russian Federation. A watermark, the U.S. government eagle, must appear on the first page of these carbon set forms. The eagle watermark may appear at random locations on the page. Note: The carbon paper used with the 9450-5A continuation sheet may include the signature block. In those cases, the carbon paper must be removed from the continuation sheet set before the certificate is signed to ensure original signatures on each copy.

      The FSIS rubber export stamp must be applied in the indicated space to the right of the signature block on the 9450-5 (11/16/2006) at the time of signature. The stamp should first be adjusted to show no certificate number. The FSIS veterinarian signing the certificate must initial the stamp in the open area where the certificate number would normally appear. Stickers bearing the export stamp must not be applied to the export certificate. The use of a sticker rather than the rubber export stamp on the certificate could result in a refused shipment.

      An FSIS letterhead Transfer Certificate of Fresh/Frozen Beef and Beef By-Products Intended for Export to the Russian Federation must be issued at the slaughter/cutting establishment when the product is transferred to a cutting establishment or a cold storage prior to export certification. The certificate should be issued based upon supporting documentation from plant management. An AMS Statement of Verification (SOV) is not necessary to issue the transfer certificate. FSIS export certification procedures, including the SOV procedures to confirm eligibility of the product, will be used when FSIS 9450-5 is issued at the cutting plant or cold storage. The completed original copy of the transfer certificate should be maintained where the FSIS copy of the 9450-5 are filed.
    4. Obtain FSIS Form 9060-5--Export Certificate of Wholesomeness, for products other than raw poultry, raw pork, and raw beef and the appropriate veterinary certificate. Additional veterinary certificates should be used when all products can not be listed on one form.
    5. Additional Certificates
      1. Fully cooked meat and poultry products. Obtain FSIS form 9450-7 (7/95)-- Veterinary Certificate for Prepared Meat Products Exported Into the Russian Federation.
      2. Heat treated but not fully cooked-- not shelf stable poultry products. Obtain FSIS form 9450-7 (7/95) -- Veterinary Certificate for Prepared Meat Products Exported Into the Russian Federation.
    6. Horsemeat - Obtain FSIS Form 9060-10 (7/90) and 9450-11 (03/04/99), Veterinary Certificate for Horsemeat Exported into the Russian Federation.
    7. Pork casings - Obtain FSIS Form 9060-7 (3/19/1999) and FSIS Form 9450-6 (7/95) - Veterinary Certificate for Pork Intestine Raw Material Exported into the Russian Federation.
    8. Red meat products and poultry products for pet food manufacture must be documented as follows:
      1. Edible product bearing the USDA Inspection Legend - Obtain FSIS Form 9060-5 and 9450-12 (4/18/2001), Veterinary Certificate for Raw Materials of Animal Origin for Pet Food Manufacturing Exported to the Russian Federation.
      2. Inedible product - Export certification of inedible products, other than technical animal fat (9 CFR 351) and certified pet food (9 CFR 355), is no longer provided by FSIS. Exporters should contact APHIS field offices to obtain information about certification of inedible products. A list of APHIS offices is available at http://www.ap his.usda.gov/vs/ncie/iregs/products/vsavic.pdf. See FSIS Notice 17-05 for additional information.
  2. Signatures on Certificates.
    1. All certificates accompanying product into the Russian Federation are to be signed by an FSIS veterinarian.
    2. FSIS Form 9060-5, 9060-7, 9060-10, 9450-6, 9450-7, 9450-11, and 9450-12 are to be signed by the same veterinarian at the field location.
  3. The number of the ocean vessel container must be indicated in the "Means of Transport" block on the appropriate FSIS 9450 certificate. The name of the ship should be indicated in the case of non-containerized (break bulk) shipments.
    1. If the container number(s) are known at the time that the product is certified for export, the exporter should indicate the container number(s) in block 14 on FSIS 9060-6, Application for Export Certificate. Also, the container number(s) should be included in the "Means of Transport" block on the FSIS 9450 certificate.
    2. If the container number(s) are NOT known at the time that the product is certified for export:
      1. The applicant completes FSIS form 9060-6, Application for Export to include all required information, and in block 14, enters the company name, contact person, address, and phone number of the company that will load the container. FSIS will then provide the appropriate FSIS Form 9450-# and FSIS Form 9060-5 (if applicable), allow product to be stamped with the export stamp, perform export inspection, and allow shipment of the product without signing FSIS Form 9060-6 and the corresponding 9450-# and FSIS Form 9060-5 (if applicable). For export of beef products, FSIS Form 9060-6 may be signed to permit the signed application to be submitted to AMS for acquisition of a statement of verification.
      2. The unsigned certificate and signed or unsigned application for export are to be held by the original applicant. When the container number(s) are obtained, they are to be entered in block 14 of FSIS Form 9060-6 and in the "MEANS OF TRANSPORT" block of the 9450-#.
      3. The applicant then requests signature of the completed FSIS Form 9060-6 by the inspector who provided export inspection. FSIS Form 9060-5 (if applicable) and the corresponding 9450-# can then be signed by an FSIS veterinarian.
    3. If additional space is needed in the "Means of Transport" block in the case of multiple containers certified with a single certificate, an FSIS letterhead certificate indicating the container numbers should be issued. The letterhead certificate should also indicate the certificate number, the date of the certificate, and the signature of the same veterinarian signing the FSIS 9060-5 and the FSIS 9450 certificates.
  4. Exporters are cautioned that consignee information on the export certificate should indicate the actual consignee taking possession of the product upon entry into Russia.

Other Requirements

The List of Basic Questions and Requirements Used by the Russian Veterinary Experts for the Joint Inspections of the US Poultry Processing and Cold Storage Facilities of October 2002 that incorporates the Summary of Agreed Interpretations of Joint Inspection Criteria for U.S. Poultry Processing and Cold Storage Facilities of April 2003 is available on-line, or can be obtained from the FSIS Technical Service Center. Additional guidance and interpretation regarding export of poultry to the Russian Federation is provided in the following sections:
  1. Poultry facility requirements
    1. All trash receptacles must be equipped with lids, including those in the product loading areas.
    2. It is not required that driveways and loading areas have paved surfaces or that no trash containers be located in the product loading or shipping areas. It has been agreed that the driveways and loading areas of the U.S. poultry facilities exporting to the Russian Federation will be covered with hard-packed surfaces (i.e., gravel). The surface of the driveway and/or the loading areas must allow for cleaning (i.e., hot water) without the creation of conditions that result in plant insanitation. Russian Federation officials have indicated that the presence of standing water or mud is considered an indication of poor drainage and insanitary conditions. Trash containers may be located in the product loading or shipping area, provided they are equipped with lids.
    3. There must be physical separation between the area of receiving live birds and shipping of finished product. There should also be different driveways leading away from these areas. These driveways may merge inside the premise of the establishment where there is a common gate for entrance and exit.
    4. A designated medical professional (for example, a medical doctor, a physician's assistant, a registered nurse) must certify that, based on their review of confidential medical records on file, all named permanent and seasonal employees (either listed or included in a referenced data base) are not known to be suffering from diseases transmissible through meat, nor affected by any condition which would disqualify them for working or being present in any exported meat-handling area upon employment. This certification must be available for review. This certification is also required for cold storage employees who handle boxed product.
    5. Effective February 1, 2004, establishment personnel in slaughter, cut-up, MDM, and associated areas must wear appropriate garments (i.e., smocks) to cover street clothing, and dedicated footwear. (Production workers in rooms where product for export to Russia is produced must have dedicated footwear. Maintenance workers, other non-production workers, and production workers in rooms not producing product for export to Russia, are not required to have special footwear. However, it is recommended that these other personnel have dedicated footwear to address potential Russian concerns.)

      Dedicated footwear is defined as footwear prepared from materials easily subject to sanitary processing (cleaning, washing, disinfection). Dedicated, uniform footwear (i.e. rubber boots) must be provided by the establishment. The sanitation of dedicated footwear must also be provided by the establishment. Storage of footwear should be provided at the establishment. However, if storage for dedicated footwear at the establishment is not provided, then employees may store/wear the dedicated footwear off the premises of the establishment.

      The following provisions for care of dedicated footwear must be assured:
      1. Sanitation of footwear: Footwear should be free from visible dirt, blood, fat or other debris prior to entering the footwear sanitation system. This will be assured through supervisory controls and enforcement of Good Manufacturing Practices, with washing of footwear at wash stations if deemed necessary by the supervisor. Footwear sanitation systems will be located in areas where establishment personnel enter the evisceration, cut up, deboning, or other associated areas. Each employee moving through the footwear sanitation area is required to pass through the system in such a way that the sole of each shoe is coated with the chemical solution or foam.
      2. Eligible footbaths include: 1) footbaths built into the floor; 2) footbaths built on top of the floor; 3) foot mats containing a sanitizer; or 4) floor foaming systems.
      3. Maintenance of footbaths or floor foaming systems: Plant personnel must monitor footbaths and floor foaming systems on a regular basis.
        1. Regarding footbaths, the following procedures must be implemented:
          • The solution in the footbaths shall be replaced as necessary to assure an effective sanitizer concentration (using suitable analytical technology such as test strips or titration) and maintained at a level adequate to cover the entire sole of the footwear;
          • A daily logbook shall be maintained verifying that the appropriate level and concentration of the sanitizing chemical and time of exposure to the sanitizing chemical in the footbaths are consistent with the manufacturer's instructions;
          • A label of the sanitizing chemical and the appropriate mixing directions for that chemical must be kept with the logbook.
        2. Regarding floor foaming systems, the following operating practice must be implemented:
          • The chemicals in the foaming systems must be full strength upon application and foam must be visible when employees are present;
          • A daily logbook shall be maintained verifying that the appropriate level and concentration of the sanitizing chemical and time of exposure to the sanitizing chemical in the foaming system are consistent with the manufacturer's instructions;
          • A label of the sanitizing chemical and the appropriate mixing directions for that chemical must be kept with the logbook.
      4. Verification: To assure compliance with the Russian Federation's SanPin requirements, poultry processing plants must assess the Total Plate Count (TPC) analysis for each consignment of chicken leg quarters or other poultry products under the oversight of an FSIS inspector. If TPC levels exceed 105 cfu/g (100,000), the product will not be eligible for shipment to the Russian Federation and the establishment management will investigate, implement appropriate corrective actions and make a record of the investigation and corrective actions taken.

        The TPC sample can be taken from the deep muscle sample obtained for the Salmonella testing required for export to Russia. Choice of laboratory and shipping of samples to the laboratory is the responsibility of plant management. However, the laboratories used must be participants in the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Laboratory Verification Program.

        (Under either footwear system, employees wearing dedicated footwear outside of the establishment building during the work shift must go through the sanitation process described in the Sanitation of Footwear section upon reentering the production room.)
    6. A solid wall separating evisceration and cutting activities, with air temperature in the cutting room not exceeding 50 F (10 C), is not necessary if the sanitary procedures in the plant ensure that cross contamination does not occur. Product temperatures must be maintained according to 9 CFR 381.66.
    7. It is not a requirement that coolers and freezers be completely dedicated to product for export to the Russian Federation. The following criteria must be met:
      1. Coolers and freezers with one common room should clearly distinguish between storing different kinds of packed products, which prevent direct contact with other products. Designated areas in freezers must be provided for storage of poultry intended for export to the Russian Federation. Other products in the freezer must originate from countries and regions free from OIE List A diseases.
      2. In coolers and freezers with several rooms, separate rooms should be dedicated to storing poultry meat intended for export to Russia and the same type of product intended for sale in the U.S. or for export.
    8. Humidity and temperature must be measured in coolers and freezers, however automated measurement devices are not necessary. The measurement devices can be either permanent or portable. For all approved establishments, temperature and humidity records must be maintained for coolers and freezers beginning August 1, 2003. Record keeping may be automated or hand-written, and must be retained for 12 months.
    9. Products may move between approved establishments in order to complete all production processes provided that temperature requirements are maintained. Temperature recording devices are not necessary in transportation vehicles. In the case of transportation of product between establishments, product temperature records must be maintained at the destination establishment to confirm that product temperatures were maintained during transit. Record keeping can be automated or hand-written.
  2. Poultry flock health certification
    1. Flock Health Certification - Plant management must present, on a weekly basis, a Flock Health Certification document (example of flock health certificate). See the revised certificate that addresses growth stimulants and therapeutics as an attachment to the email) to the IIC at the slaughter plant. This document is issued by an APHIS accredited industry veterinarian.
    2. State Veterinarian's Report - On a monthly basis the State Veterinarian from the State where the birds originated must issue a statement (example of State Veterinarian's report) that the 6 poultry diseases listed in the Russian certificate are not present in commercial poultry flocks in that State. The agreed upon definitions are those indicated in the State Veterinarian's Report. USDA and the Russian Federation have agreed upon the definitions of the poultry health diseases listed in the Russian certificate. In the event that laryngotracheitis or paramyxovirus have occurred in the State, then restricted counties will be indicated in the report.

      The report must be accompanied by a monthly status report on avian influenza (example of report on the status of avian influenza) within the State. The State Veterinarian's report accompanied by the avian influenza status report must be dated no earlier than 45 days from the date of certification. These documents should be kept on file by the IIC.
    3. At the time of slaughter, plant management must present copies of these documents to the certifying DVM, whether the certification takes place at the slaughter facility or at a cold storage facility, and provide assurances that the animal health documents represent the product presented for export certification. The product is not eligible for export to the Russian Federation without this documentation.
  3. Poultry antemortem records FSIS Form 9061-2, Poultry Condemnation Certificate, must be completed for each lot of poultry. The following information must be entered in the Remarks section:
    1. The date of shipment,
    2. the identity of the grower and corresponding identification number,
    3. the results of the antemortem inspection
    4. and, if applicable, information regarding a second examination (if birds are held more than 12 hours at the establishment before slaughter)
  4. Poultry DOA procedures - If the incidence of dead-on-arrival (DOA) birds is 1% or higher on a flock basis, the plant manager must notify an APHIS-accredited non-FSIS veterinarian. The APHIS accredited veterinarian will evaluate the factors that may be related to the increase in DOAs. If the increase is related to an animal health issue other than an error in loading, extreme temperatures, transportation, or some other known problem other than animal health, the veterinarian will visit the establishment to necropsy the birds and collect tissue samples as appropriate. Alternatively, the veterinarian may direct a trained technician to collect tissue samples. If necessary, representative samples will be submitted to an appropriate laboratory for analysis. Necropsy findings and laboratory results, if conducted, will be documented in the antemortem records. If the veterinarian determines there is no reason to investigate the DOA birds because the probable cause was an error in loading, extreme temperatures, transportation or some other known problem other than animal health, the veterinarian or the technician will document the incident in the antemortem records. The accredited veterinarian will review and initial the antemortem records once every two months. This procedure should be documented and on-file at the establishment.
  5. Antimicrobial treatments

    Samples of chiller water used in the processing of birds for export to the Russian Federation must be collected by plant personnel at least twice during each 8 hour shift and tested for chlorine (maximum level of 50 ppm free available chlorine). Samples should be taken at the point where incoming potable water to which chlorine has been added enters the chiller. See FSIS Notice 45-03 for additional information. Either a titration or colorimetric quantitative method must be used. Documentation of testing including test results must be maintained by the establishment. In addition, the FSIS veterinarian must verify once per shift that the samples were taken, the testing done, and the results recorded. The FSIS veterinarian must record this verification on FSIS Form 9450-4C. Also, at least one time per week, the FSIS veterinarian will observe the collection of the sample and administration of the test. The observation activity must also be recorded on FSIS 9450-4C.

    If the chlorine limit is exceeded, product from carcasses produced during that time period is not eligible for export to Russia. Additional testing should demonstrate compliance with the limit before subsequent product is again determined to be eligible for export.

    Establishments using other approved antimicrobial substances must verify the allowed concentration of the substances by quantitative analysis at the same frequency as indicated for chlorine. FSIS verification and observation activity must also be completed at the same frequency as indicated for chlorine. The FSIS veterinarian must record this verification on an FSIS letterhead document. Establishments not using hyperchlorinated water in chillers or any other antimicrobial substance must keep a signed statement to that effect on file.
  6. Mechanically separated poultry

    Establishments that produce mechanically separated poultry (MSP) for export to Russia can only produce MSP from birds slaughtered at the same establishment or sourced from other establishments approved for export of poultry to the Russia. Approved establishments cannot source from non-approved establishments at any time. Establishments that product MSP should keep records of the source plants of raw material.

    Metal detectors are not required on MSP production lines. However, each establishment producing MSP must have a well-documented quality assurance program that assures that no metal or other foreign substances is present.
  7. Duration that chilled poultry may be held before freezing or processing. Chilled poultry meat may be held for more than 48 hours if maintained at the temperatures indicated in 9 CFR 381.66.
  8. Laboratory testing of poultry meat
    1. Basic residue testing - A residue monitoring program, in addition to the FSIS National Residue Program, is required in order to be eligible to export to Russia. Plant management must take samples from birds from each farm which supplies birds for export to the Russian Federation.
      1. Heavy metal and pesticides
        1. Product is to be sampled from each farm producing poultry for export to the Russian Federation. Flocks in the farm system not destined for Russia export may be omitted from heavy metal and pesticide testing if records are maintained to associate flock testing with finished product.
        2. Frequency of sampling - on a quarterly basis, samples from each farm are composited and sent to a laboratory.
      2. Antibiotic testing
        1. Product is to be sampled from each farm producing poultry for export to the Russian Federation. Flocks in the farm system not destined for Russia export may be omitted from antibiotic testing if records are maintained to associate flock testing with finished product.
        2. Frequency of sampling - on a monthly basis, samples from each farm are composited and sent to the laboratory
      3. Choice of laboratory and shipping of samples to the laboratory is the responsibility of plant management. However, the laboratories used must be participants in the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) "Laboratory Verification Program."
      4. Verification of residue testing prior to issuance of FSIS Form 9450-4. Test results must be presented from all slaughter establishments contributing poultry to the consignment. At the time of export certification, plant management of the establishment requesting export certification must present copies of the residue test results to the certifying FSIS veterinarian. These results should be kept on file in the government office.
        1. Heavy metals and pesticides - laboratory reports must be dated within 105 days of export certification.
        2. Antibiotics - laboratory reports must be dated within 45 days of the date of export certification.
        3. Residue levels must be below the action levels presented in the "Laboratory Verification Program For The Analysis Of Poultry Products Destined For Exportation From The United States To Russia."

        Note: Product can be certified even if residue test results are unavailable for all flocks contributing to the consignment as long as available test results are dated within the frequencies above at the time of certification.
    2. Additional residue testing
      1. Chloramphenicol- product is to be sampled from each farm producing poultry for export to the RF. On a quarterly basis, samples from each farm are composited and sent to the laboratory. Laboratory reports must be dated within 105 days of export certification. See the laboratory verification program for information about laboratory eligibility. 
      2. If the weekly flock health certificate indicates that bacitracin, virginiamycin or flavomycin were used in the production of the birds, residue testing must be performed for the drugs that were used. On a monthly basis, samples from each farm are composited and sent to the laboratory. Laboratory reports must be dated within 45 days of export certification. See the laboratory verification program for information about laboratory eligibility. 
      3. If the weekly flock health certificate indicates that approved therapeutic antibiotics were used in the production of the birds, residue testing must be performed on each treated flock. On a monthly basis, samples from each farm are composited and sent to the laboratory. Laboratory reports must be dated within 45 days of export certification.  See the laboratory verification program for information about laboratory eligibility.
      4. If the weekly flock health certificate indicates that organic arsenicals are used in the production of birds, residue testing must be performed. On a monthly basis, muscle tissue samples from each farm using arsenicals are composited and sent to a USDA verified laboratory. Laboratory reports must be dated within 45 days of the date of export certification. An establishment must test at least annually - if organic arsenicals are not used in the production of birds presented at the establishment, a composite sample of one leg quarter from 5 production days should be tested annually. 
    3. Salmonella testing - Each consignment (product represented on the export certificate) of poultry meat for export to the Russian Federation must be tested for Salmonella and comply with Russian requirements.
      1. Salmonella sample - 25 grams collected aseptically from deep muscle tissue
      2. Sampling frequency - each consignment assembled for export to Russia.
      3. Choice of laboratory and shipping of samples to the laboratory is the responsibility of plant management. However, the laboratories used must be participants in the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) "Laboratory Verification Program."
      4. Salmonella testing results prior to issuance of FSIS Form 9450-4.
        1. Negative Salmonella test results for the consignment must be presented to the FSIS veterinarian before export certification can be provided. Identification of the consignment must be maintained until the test procedures are completed. Copies of the results must be maintained in the government office.

          If the initial sample taken from the deep muscle of the carcass tests positive for Salmonella, ten additional muscle samples of 25 grams each from not less than 10 carcasses will be taken and the tests repeated. If one of the 10 samples tests positive for Salmonella, this consignment will not be exported to the Russian Federation. Products prepared for export to the Russian Federation that do not comply with the Salmonella testing procedures are not eligible for the Russian Federation.
      5. Giblets, ground poultry, and mechanically deboned poultry must come from carcasses that have been tested on a consignment basis as described in a.-d. above. The Salmonella test result must be obtained from at least one carcass used in the production of the consignment.
    4. Listeria monocytogenes testing- Each slaughter establishment producing poultry for export to Russia must submit a 25 gram deep-muscle sample for Listeria monocytogenes testing on a quarterly basis. Laboratory results must be dated within 105 days of export certification. Negative test results must be on file at the establishment. Choice of laboratory and shipping of samples to the laboratory is the responsibility of plant management. However, the laboratories used must be participants in the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Laboratory Verification Program.
    5. Laboratory Verification Program - Basic residue testing, Salmonella testing, Listeria monocytogenes testing, and Total Plate Count testing of poultry products exported to Russia must be performed in a laboratory operating under the "Laboratory Verification Program For The Analysis Of Poultry Products Destined For Exportation From The United States To Russia."

      The following analyses have been incorporated into the AMS Laboratory Verification Program: chloramphenicol, bacitracin, virginamycin, and bambermycin (Flavomycin). Effective January 1, 2006, laboratories performing these analyses for poultry intended for export to Russia must participate in the AMS program. Information about applying for the program and a list of participating laboratories can be obtained from: Shirley Wright
      USDA, AMS, S & T, TSB
      1400 Independence Ave.
      Room 3521 South Bldg., Stop 0272
      Washington, DC 20250-0272
      ShirleyJ.Wright@usda.gov
      Phone 202-720-8556

      The testing for therapeutic antibiotics indicated in the additional residue section above is not yet incorporated into the AMS Laboratory Verification Program. More information about that process will be provided as it becomes available. Until it is incorporated into the AMS program, laboratories doing the additional antibiotic testing and the Listeria monocytogenes testing must be currently participating in the AMS Laboratory Verification Program or be ISO 17025 certified. The following table indicates the analytical sensitivities required for each of the antibiotic methods.

      Analysis Sensitivity
      Chloramphenicol 10 ppb
      Bacitracin 280 ppb 0.02 IU/gm
      Virginiamycin 200 ppb (0.2 ppm)
      Bambermycin
      (Flavomycin)      		 200 ppb (0.2 ppm)
      Ceftiofur -
      Enrofloxacin 300 ppb (0.3 ppm)
      Erythromycin 125 ppb (0.125 ppm)
      Gentamicin 100 ppb (0.1 ppm)
      Sulfadiamethoxine 100 ppb (0.1 ppm)
      Sulfaquinoxzlone 100 ppb (0.1 ppm)
      Penicillin 50 ppb (0.05 ppm)
      Tylosin 200 ppb (0.2 ppm)
      Neomycin 500 ppb (0.5 ppm)
      Lincomycin 100 ppb (0.1 ppm)
      Spectinomycin 100 ppb (0.1 ppm)
      Streptomycin 500 ppb (0.5 ppm)

  9. Radiological testing of poultry meat - Each slaughter establishment producing poultry for the Russian Federation will provide a statement of guarantee that their poultry meets the Russian Federation's radionuclide standards after documenting the results of the following survey program on an annual basis:
    1. By July 25, 2003, each establishment will submit a sample. The sample will consist of a composite of one leg quarter from 5 production days. The composite sample will be submitted to the appropriate or University radiation research facility for the total activity level screen using beta and gamma detection instruments.
    2. A report documenting the total activity in Becquerels/kilogram (Bq/kg) for each sample will be generated at the University radiation monitoring facility. This report will then be sent to the submitting establishment showing the total beta and gamma activity for each sample. Reports will be available to FSIS.
    3. A total beta and gamma activity screening measurement assures compliance with Russian Federation permissible limits of radionuclides (beta<80 Bq/kg and gamma<180 Bq/kg).
    4. Additional information about the radionoclide protocol, including a list of participating university testing facilities, is available from the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council at http://www.usapeec.org/.
  10. Russian Import Permits. The Russian Veterinary Service issues import permits for all poultry products entering that country. The Russian inspection officials have advised that U.S. exporters should check with the Russian importer to assure that the importer has an import permit. If the importer does not have a valid import permit, the product may not be allowed entry.
  11. FSIS Form 9450-4A (05/23/2006) -Transfer Certificate Fresh/Frozen Poultry Meat Intended for Export to the Russian Federation. This form has been modified to include the certification statements that are reflected on FSIS Form 9450-4, Section 3. Previous editions are obsolete.  The completed original copy should be maintained where FSIS copies of the 9450-4 are filed.

    When export documents are issued from a cold storage or other non-slaughter establishment, alternatively to providing copies of the State veterinary report, flock health certificates, residue test results, and Salmonella test results, the IIC at the slaughter establishment can provide FSIS Form 9450-4A for verification of the acceptability of these results.
  12. Trichinae destruction in raw pork meat for further processing or for retail sale.
    1. Raw pork meat intended for export to the Russian Federation for further processing or for retail sale must be subjected to a freezing regimen according to 9 CFR 318.10(c)(2)(iv) for destruction of trichinae.
    2. The previous program of submitting samples for trichinae analysis was suspended 5-1-00. Trichinae analysis for raw pork for retail sale.
  13. Raw pork must originate from an approved facility. Plant management must develop a control program to assure that only raw pork slaughtered, processed, and stored in approved establishments is certified for export to the Russian Federation.
  14. Box lids must be secured by tape, banding, gluing or other acceptable methods.

Plants Eligible to Export
  1. Plant Approval
    1. Raw poultry
      1. Poultry slaughter, processing, and cold storage establishments not on the list of approved establishments for export of poultry to the Russian Federation must submit FSIS Form 9080-3, Establishment Application for Export, through the FSIS Field Operations District Office, to the FSIS Office of International Affairs, Import-Export Programs Staff, (202) 720-0082/fax (202) 720-7990. Additional requirements apply to poultry establishments approved to export to the Russian Federation as outlined in the Other Requirements section above.  A poultry establishment compliance checklist to confirm that the establishment complies with these additional requirements must be completed and submitted to FSIS along with the FSIS 9080-3. The additional requirements must be fully implemented, including initial laboratory testing, before FSIS 9080-3 is submitted.

        The FSIS Office of International Affairs will certify these establishments to the Russian Federation. On-site review by a Russian official prior to approval is no longer required. Product should not be produced or certified for export to Russia from these establishments until they have been added to the List of Approved Raw Poultry and Cold Storage Establishments.
      2. Poultry establishments ineligible as of August 29, 2008 as indicated on the List of Approved Raw Poultry and Cold Storage Establishments can be approved for export to Russia upon FSIS verification of correction of deficiencies identified by Russian officials during the July-August 2008 reviews.*

        Plant management must submit a corrective action plan to the FSIS IIC that lists each deficiency identified on the review form (Act of Inspection) completed by the Russian official at the time of the review and that lists each corrective action taken by the plant. The IIC should verify that the corrective actions are adequate. Questions regarding the Russia requirements should be addressed to the Import Export Programs Staff at (800) 233-3935.

        Once the corrective actions are verified as adequate, the IIC should complete an FSIS letterhead verification document and fax the verification document and the corrective action plan from plant management to the Import/Export Programs Staff at 202-720-7990 or send by email to importexport@fsis.usda.gov. After review of the documents, FSIS, Office of International Affairs will notify Russian officials of the corrective actions. Following the notification, the plant list will be revised to indicate eligibility of the establishment.
    2. Raw pork
      1. Pork slaughter, processing, and cold storage establishments not on the list of approved establishments for export of pork to the Russian Federation must submit FSIS Form 9080-3, Establishment Application for Export, through the FSIS Field Operations District Office, to the FSIS Office of International Affairs, Import-Export Programs Staff, (202) 720-0082/fax (202) 720-7990.

        The FSIS Office of International Affairs will certify these establishments to the Russian Federation. On-site review by a Russian official prior to approval is no longer required. Product should not be produced or certified for export to Russia from these establishments until they have been added to the List of Approved Raw Pork and Cold Storage Establishments.
      2. Pork establishments ineligible as of November 1, 2007 as indicated on the List of Approved Raw Pork and Cold Storage Establishments can be approved for export to Russia upon FSIS verification of correction of deficiencies identified by Russian officials during the July/August 2007 reviews.

        Plant management must submit a corrective action plan to the FSIS IIC that lists each deficiency identified on the review form (Act of Inspection) completed by the Russian official at the time of the review and that lists each corrective action taken by the plant. The IIC should verify that the corrective actions are adequate. Questions regarding the Russia requirements should be addressed to the Import Export Programs Staff at (800) 233-3935.

        Once the corrective actions are verified as adequate, the IIC should complete an FSIS letterhead verification document and fax the verification document and the corrective action plan from plant management to the Import/Export Programs Staff at 202-720-7990 or send by email to importexport@fsis.usda.gov. After review of the documents, FSIS, Office of International Affairs will notify Russian officials of the corrective actions. Following the notification, the plant list will be revised to indicate eligibility of the establishment.
    3. Raw beef
      1. A List of Approved Raw Beef and Cold Storage Establishments has been developed as a result of the September 2007 reviews. In addition, approved establishments must participate in an AMS, BEV program and be present on the "Official Listing of Eligible Suppliers for USDA Bovine EV Program". The list can be accessed at http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/arc/b ev.htm.
      2. Beef slaughter and cutting establishments that were reviewed by Russian officials in September 2007, but not approved, can be approved for export to Russia upon FSIS verification of correction of deficiencies identified by Russian officials during the review.

        Plant management must submit a corrective action plan to the FSIS IIC that lists each deficiency identified on the review form (Act of Inspection) completed by the Russian official at the time of the review and that lists each corrective action taken by the plant. The IIC should verify that the corrective actions are adequate. Questions regarding the Russia requirements should be addressed to the Import Export Programs Staff at (800) 233-3935.

        Once the corrective actions are verified as adequate, the IIC should complete an         FSIS letterhead verification document and fax the verification document and the corrective action plan from plant management to the Import/Export Programs Staff at 202-720-7990 or send by email to importexport@fsis.usda.gov. After review of the documents, FSIS, Office of International Affairs will notify Russian officials of the corrective actions. Following the notification, the approved plant list will be revised to indicate eligibility of the establishment.

      3. Beef cold storage establishments not on the list of approved establishments for export of beef to the Russian Federation must submit FSIS Form 9080-3, Establishment Application for Export, through the FSIS Field Operations Office, to the FSIS Office of International Affairs, Import-Export Programs Staff, (202) 720-0082/fax (202) 720-7990.

        The FSIS Office of International Affairs will certify these establishments to the Russian Federation. Products should not be stored or certified for export to Russia from these establishments until they have been added to the List of Approved Raw Beef and Cold Storage Establishments.

    4. The following products may originate from any Federally inspected facility:
      1. fully cooked pork products, pork casings,
      2. fully-cooked poultry products and "heat-treated but not-fully-cooked, not-shelf-stable poultry products."
      3. horsemeat
  2. List of Eligible Plants
    1. The Russian Federation lists of approved poultry, pork, and beef establishments and cold stores are included in the Export Requirements Library.

RU-176 (Sep 5, 2008)