guatemalas restrictions on egg products in october 2016 mexico expressed its concern on guatemalas restrictions on egg products. mexico considered the measure to be in violation of fundamental principles of technical and scientific justification based on international standards principles enshrined in the sps agreement and the free trade agreement between mexico and central america. mexico noted its preference to promote dialogue however these efforts had not been successful. guatemala continued to impose import restrictions on mexican egg products even though its legislation allowed imports of heat treated avian products. mexico indicated that its egg products exports were significantly affected by the restrictions and requested that guatemala withdraw its measure in order to resume egg products trade between the two countries. guatemala replied that in october guatemala had informed mexico that it was currently conducting a risk assessment and would contact mexico upon the conclusion of the analysis. in november 2018 mexico reiterated its concern over guatemalas restrictions on egg products highlighting that the measure in question violated fundamental principles of technical and scientific justification based on international standards. mexico explained that these principles were enshrined in the sps and tbt agreements as well as in the free trade agreement between mexico and central america. the continuous discussions held with guatemala had not succeeded in resolving this matter despite mexicos self-declaration as an hpai-free area. mexico expressed concerns regarding undue delays in communications by guatemala given discussions had been ongoing since 2010. mexico further recalled that its egg products exports were significantly affected by the restrictions and requested that guatemala withdraw its measures which had no scientific justification and were not based on any relevant international standard. guatemala replied that in october 2016 it had informed mexico that it was reviewing the information provided. this issue had been further discussed in 2016 and 2017 and in june 2018 guatemala had informed mexico on the prohibition of imports of poultry products in response to an outbreak of h7n3 highly pathogenic avian influenza hpai in two mexican states. guatemala noted that its measures were in line with the oie standards and was awaiting additional information from mexico. guatemala remained committed to continue bilateral discussions on this matter. in march 2019 mexico reiterated its concern over guatemalas restrictions on thermally processed egg products. mexico recalled that it had been requesting the lifting of the measure since 2007 arguing its inconsistency with the sps agreement and the free trade agreement between mexico and central america as it did not provide a technical and scientific justification based on international standards nor a risk assessment. mexico referred to the recommendations contained in article 10.4.15 of the oies terrestrial code to ensure the elimination of the avian influenza virus in imports of processed egg products regardless of the country of origins avian influenza status. mexico added that guatemalas restrictions were also in contradiction with its own legislation which confirmed compliance with oie guidelines and recommendations and the fundamental principles of the sps agreement. mexico regretted the lack of progress despite proving the existence of hpai-free zones and compartments. mexico highlighted the impact of guatemalas total ban on its egg products. guatemala provided information on the technical meetings held and the written responses to mexicos request the latest dated 12 february 2019. based on oie information mexico had reported outbreaks of hpai h7n3 in february 2018 and of newcastle disease in january and february 2019 including outbreaks in mexican states bordering guatemala. guatemalan national legislation did not allow trade in poultry poultry products