Health Certificate for Export MSPAS Guatemala 2026: Required for Food & Product Exporters (Q35)

The Health Certificate for Export (Certificado de Salud para Exportación) is the official MSPAS document that destination-country sanitary authorities require as proof that a food, beverage or regulated product produced in Guatemala meets national sanitary standards. Without it, most customs offices will not allow the product across the border.

Quick summary: Cost Q35, processing 5 business days. Filed at the DRCA Export Section of MSPAS (Zone 11, Guatemala City). Requires a current Sanitary Registration for the product and a current Food Sanitary License for the producing establishment.

Data verified against the official Catalogo Unico de Tramites del Estado (Service 1805 — MSPAS).

What This Certificate Is

The Health Certificate for Export (also called Export Certificate or Health Certificate for Export) is a document issued by MSPAS on the exporter’s request to support exports and serve their legal purposes. Its main objective is to guarantee to the destination country that:

1. The product is manufactured under Guatemalan sanitary regulation
2. The product holds a current Sanitary Registration in Guatemala
3. The producing establishment complies with the corresponding Sanitary License
4. The specific lot identified in the certificate is fit for human consumption per RTCA standards

It is a common requirement for exports to the United States, European Union, Mexico, Central American countries, Asia, and traditional export markets for Guatemalan coffee, processed foods, dairy and beverages.

Who Needs It

Applies to any individual or company exporting sanitarily regulated products from Guatemala:

• Processed coffee exporters (roasted, ground, soluble — green coffee follows a separate ANACAFE certification)
• Processed food exporters (snacks, sauces, condiments, canned goods)
• Beverage exporters (juices, soft drinks, bottled water, liquid dairy)
• Dairy product exporters (cheese, powdered milk, derivatives)
• Meat and fish product exporters
• Dietary supplement and nutraceutical exporters
• Cosmetics and personal-care product exporters (per specific regulation)
• Cocoa, processed spices, honey, panela exporters

If your product is only sold within Guatemala, you do not need this certificate — only the basic Sanitary Registration. Exporting adds this additional document per shipment or lot.

Difference From Other Documents

It is common to confuse this certificate with other sanitary documents. Here is the difference:

Complete Requirements

Before going to the MSPAS Food Window:

Exporter Documents

• Export Certificate Application (official MSPAS form) signed by the legal representative
• Current DPI of the legal representative (or passport if foreign)
• Exporter’s NIT (look up your CUI-NIT here)
• Current commercial license (patente de comercio) of the exporter

Product Documents

• Current Sanitary Registration number of the product
• Current product label (if modified, first update the Sanitary Registration)
• Proof of current Food Sanitary License of the producing establishment

Export Operation Documents

• Importer details in destination country: legal name, address, phone
• Lot description: total quantity, lot code, production date, expiration date
• Commercial proforma invoice or export contract
• Additional documents if the destination country requires its own format (USA — FDA format, EU, Mexico — COFEPRIS format)

Payment

• Official 63-A2 receipt for Q35 (issued at the MSPAS Window when starting the procedure)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Verify destination country requirements. USA, EU, Mexico and others may require specific sanitary formats. Consult with your broker or customs agent before applying.
2. Confirm your product has a current Sanitary Registration and your establishment has a current Sanitary License. Without these two prerequisites, DRCA will reject the file.
3. Fill out the Export Certificate application (official MSPAS form) with complete data on exporter, importer and lot.
4. Attach required documents in the indicated order.
5. Pay the fee. The Window issues receipt 63-A2 for Q35.
6. Sign the 63-A2 receipt and deliver the complete application file to the Food Window at MSPAS.
7. Receive the file entry password with number and date.
8. Food Window forwards the file to the Export Section, where an evaluator reviews compliance with all requirements.
9. If the file complies, the Export Section drafts the certificate and sends it to the Department Head for signature.
10. If the file does not comply, a rejection note with specific observations is issued. Address the findings and re-submit the file.
11. The Export Section receives the signed certificate and returns it to the Food Window.
12. Pick up your Export Certificate signed and stamped at the Food Window, presenting your entry password.

Tip: Some destination countries require the certificate to be issued no more than 30 days before the shipment. Plan timing with your customs agent.

Cost and Time

Common Mistakes & What to Do If Rejected

• Requesting the certificate without a current Sanitary Registration — the Export Section rejects the file. Renew the product’s Sanitary Registration first.
• Confusing Health Certificate with Certificate of Free Sale — they are different documents. Some destination countries require both in parallel.
• Mis-calculated timing — many certificates have short validity (30-90 days) at the destination country’s customs. If shipment is delayed, the certificate may expire.
• Outdated label — if the product label was modified (weight, ingredients, warnings), first update the Sanitary Registration before requesting the Export Certificate.
• Inconsistent lot data — the quantity declared on the certificate must match the commercial invoice exactly. Discrepancies block customs entry.
• Not verifying destination country requirements — each country defines format and minimum data. The USA requires Prior Notice + FSVP in addition to MSPAS. The EU asks for GHP/HACCP format.
• If rejected, you will receive a note with specific observations. Address each point and re-submit — generally no need to pay Q35 again if re-submission happens within a reasonable timeframe.

For Exporters in the USA or Abroad

If you are an exporter with a commercial presence in the United States but produce in Guatemala:

• Designate a customs broker or representative in Guatemala with notarized special power of attorney who can physically file the application
• Coordinate timing with your representative: the certificate must reach customs before the shipment
• If exporting to the USA, review additional FDA requirements (Prior Notice, FSVP, FCE/SID if applicable) — the MSPAS Certificate does not replace importer requirements
• If exporting to the European Union, HACCP certificate or equivalent is usually required
• If exporting to Mexico, COFEPRIS typically asks for the MSPAS Certificate plus product-specific documentation
• Some US importers also request a Certificate of Free Sale as a complement

Legal Framework

The Health Certificate for Export is governed by:

• Acuerdo Gubernativo 969-99 — Food Safety Regulation: Sanitary regulatory framework for production, handling and export of foods.
• Decreto 90-97 — Health Code, Art. 140-148: Authorizes MSPAS to issue sanitary export certifications.
• Current MSPAS Fee Schedule: Establishes the official Q35 cost for this certificate.

Related Tramites

• Food Sanitary License MSPAS — authorization for the producing establishment
• Sanitary Registration of Product — product authorization for sale in Guatemala
• Sanitary Registration Certificate Replacement — recover lost document
• Guatemala Import Calculator — calculate customs costs
• How to look up your CUI-NIT — for exporter data
• MSPAS tramites hub — all Ministry of Health procedures

Official Links

• MSPAS — Tramites
• MSPAS — Institutional Site
• DRCA — Food Regulation and Control
• Catalogo Unico de Tramites del Estado — Service 1805