Question: Has the embargo taken effect and what are we doing to resolve this issue?
Answer: This is not an embargo. The Department of State withdrew the certification of Mexico's Turtle Excluder Device (TED) program because Mexico’s turtle protection program is not currently comparable to the U.S. program as required by law. Although withdrawal of Mexican certification has trade ramifications, this is primarily an environmental compliance issue aimed at preserving endangered sea turtles.
The import prohibition goes into effect on April 20, 2010. We are working with the Government of Mexico as it implements its Action Plan to strengthen Mexico’s Turtle Excluder Device (TED) program and to advance shared turtle conservation goals. Both governments are engaged to ensure renewal of Mexican certification within the shortest period of time consistent with the requirements of U.S. law.
