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MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES 

Decree 354/2013 

Decrees No. 1,585/1996 and No. 825/2010. Amendment. 

Buenos Aires, 4/4/2013 

HAVING REGARD to Dossier No. S01:0039142/2010 of the Register of the MINISTRY OF 

AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES, the General 2013 Budget of the National Public 

Administration adopted by Law No. 26,784, Decree No. 1,585 of December 19, 1996 amended 

by Decrees No. 680 of September 1, 2003, No. 237 of March 26, 2009 and No. 825 of June 10, 

2010, and 

CONSIDERING: 

That Decree No. 1,585 of December 19, 1996, amended by Decrees No. 680 of September 1, 

2003, No. 237 of March 26, 2009, and No. 825 of June 10, 2010, establishes the institutional 

organisation of the NATIONAL AGRI-FOOD HEALTH AND QUALITY SERVICE, a decentralised 

body of the MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES, including its 

characteristics, competencies, structure of the governing body, attributes and functions as 

well as the organisational structure of the first operational level; 

That in line with the experience gathered with the implementation of the policies established 

by the mentioned Service with the structure approved by the last Decree mentioned above, 

management of the different areas should be strengthened to ensure the strategic direction 

of the applicable policies as well as the follow-up and control of the operations for which the 

different Regional Centres are responsible; 

That as a result of the above, the authority and functions of the General Manager laid down in 

Decree No. 825/10 should be modified with the purpose of coordinating and monitoring the 

operations of the Service and providing support to the executive function of the President of 

the organisation; 

That in this context, it is advisable to assign the function of coordinating and monitoring the 

operations performed by the Regional Centres of the Service to the General Manager; 

That as a result of the new responsibilities assigned to the General Manager, the National 

Directorate for Regional Operations should be eliminated. 

That there are significant conceptual differences between the inspection, control, oversight, 

approval, certification and supervision of establishments that process fishery and aquaculture 

products, by-products and derived products and the inspection of other products of animal 

origin whereby it is necessary to assign these actions to the National Directorate for Agri-food 

Safety and Quality at SENASA headquarters; 

That this measure is proposed to adequately comply with the efficacy and efficiency criteria 

necessary to attain the strategic objectives defined by the NATIONAL AGRI-FOOD HEALTH AND 

QUALITY SERVICE at no additional cost; 

That the Directorate General for Legal Affairs of the MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK 

AND FISHERIES and the CABINET SECRETARIAT AND ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATION OFFICE OF 

THE PRESIDENT OF THE CABINET OF MINISTERS have issued their opinion; 

That this measure is issued pursuant to the authority provided for in Article 99 1) of the 

NATIONAL CONSTITUTION. 

Therefore, 
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THE PRESIDENT 

OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA 

DECREES: 

Article 1 — Article 9 Bis of Decree No. 1,585 of December 19, 1996, included pursuant to 

Article 11 of Decree No. 825 of June 10, 2010 is hereby replaced to read as follows: 

“ARTICLE 9 BIS.- The General Manager shall have the following attributions and functions: 

a) Supervision and coordination of the technical and administrative activities of the Service, 

in accordance with the programmes and/or action plans developed by the pertinent offices; 

b) Coordination between the President and the Vice President of the Service and the different 

offices of the Agency as well as between these offices and design of communication systems 

that provide prompt and updated information on the performance of the different areas of 

the Service; 

c) Participation in the coordination, implementation and monitoring of programmes, plans 

and activities related to the inspections, controls, oversight, approvals and certifications 

performed by the Regional Offices; 

d) Planning and coordination of the implementation of the operations performed at 

phytosanitary barriers and Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) – airports, land crossings, maritime 

and river ports – to ensure compliance with the legislation, protocols, procedures and 

agreements with third countries in force.” 

Art. 2 — The organisational structure of the National Directorate for Regional Operations, the 

first operating level of the NATIONAL AGRI-FOOD HEALTH AND QUALITY SERVICE, a 

decentralised body of the MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES, approved by 

Decree No. 825 of June 10, 2010, is hereby eliminated. 

Art. 3 — All offices that report to the former National Directorate for Regional Operations, 

approved by Resolution No. 805 of November 9, 2010 of the mentioned National Service and 

complementary norms, shall now report to the General Manager of the NATIONAL AGRI-FOOD 

HEALTH AND QUALITY SERVICE and shall maintain their existing Management Functions. 

Art. 4 — Annex I – Organisational Chart – to Article 15 of Decree No. 825 of June 10, 2010 

approving the organisational structure of the NATIONAL AGRI-FOOD HEALTH AND QUALITY 

SERVICE is hereby replaced by the Annex to Article 4 included herein. 

Art. 5 — Annex II to Article 15 of Decree No. 825 of June 10, 2010 establishing the Primary 

Responsibility and Actions of the National Directorate for Regional Operations is hereby 

eliminated. 

Art. 6 — The Objectives of the NATIONAL AGRI-FOOD HEALTH AND QUALITY SERVICE included 

in Annex II to Article 15 of Decree No. 825 of June 10, 2010 are hereby replaced by the Annex 

to Article 6 included herein. 

Art. 7 — Annex II to Article 15 of Decree No. 825 of June 10, 2010, Primary Responsibility and 

Actions of the National Directorate for Technical and Administrative Issues of the NATIONAL 

AGRI-FOOD HEALTH AND QUALITY SERVICE is hereby replaced by the Annex to Article 7 

included herein. 

Art. 8 — Annex II to Article 15 of Decree No. 825 of June 10, 2010, Primary Responsibility and 

Actions of the National Directorate for Agri-food Safety and Quality of the NATIONAL AGRIFOOD HEALTH AND QUALITY SERVICE is hereby replaced by the Annex to Article 8 included 

herein. 

Art. 9 — Annex II to Article 15 of Decree No. 825 of June 10, 2010, Primary Responsibility and 

Actions of the National Directorate for Agrochemicals, Veterinary Products and Feed of the 

NATIONAL AGRI-FOOD HEALTH AND QUALITY SERVICE is hereby replaced by the Annex to 

Article 9 included herein. 
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Art. 10. — Have it notified, published, transferred to the National Directorate for the Official 

Register and filed. 

FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER. — Juan M. Abal Medina. — Norberto G. Yauhar. 
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ANNEX TO ARTICLE 4 

ANNEX TO ARTICLE 6 

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES 

NATIONAL AGRI-FOOD HEALTH AND QUALITY SERVICE 

OBJECTIVES: 

1. To prevent, diagnose, control and/or eradicate, within its field of authority, animal 

diseases and zoonoses, including plant pests and diseases, by implementing and promoting 

sanitary actions throughout the country. To establish the procedures for inspection of 

products, by-products and derived products of animal and plant origin within its scope of 

authority to ensure their safety and quality. 

2. To develop scientific research and propose programmes and technical norms on animal and 

plant health and quality, including their products, by-products and derived products as well 

as on active ingredients, agrochemicals and biologics. 

3. To oversee: 

a) Compliance with norms and regulations on hygiene-sanitary issues and food safety in 

animal husbandry and slaughter; in products, by-products and derived products of animal 

origin; in plants, their parts, by-products and derived products. 

b) Compliance with the norms on use and marketing of products, active ingredients, drugs, 

raw materials, biologics and biotechnology products used in, or related to veterinary 

medicine and animal husbandry and determine maximum acceptable levels for residues and 

contaminants. 

c) Compliance with technical norms and regulations on production, marketing and use of 

agrochemicals, products and drugs, phytotherapeutic products, biologics and biotechnological 

products used in, or related to, veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, determining 

maximum acceptable levels for residues and contaminants in plants and their products. 

4. To control and certify: 

a) The health and quality of animals and products, by-products and derived products of 

animal origin. 

b) The health and quality of animals and products, by-products and derived products of plant 

origin. 

Ministry of Agriculture, 

Livestock and Fisheries 

National Agri-food Health 

and Quality Service 

Internal Audit 

Unit 

Consultative 

Committee 

National 

Directorate for 

Animal Health 

National 

Directorate for 

Plant 

Protection 

National 

Directorate for 

Agri-food 

Health and 

Quality 

National 

Directorate for 

Animal Health 

National 

Directorate for 

Agrochemicals

Veterinary 

Products and 

Feed

National 

Directorate for 

Technical and 

Administrative 

Issues 

National 

Directorate for 

Laboratories 

and Technical 

Control 

National

Directorate for 

Legal Affairs 
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c) The quality of products intended for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases 

and/or pests affecting the health and quality of animals and plants and their products, byproducts and derived products. 

d) The conditions and quality of chemical and biological inputs used in the production of 

animals and plants, their products, by-products and derived products, their manufacture and 

processing as well as in their conservation, packing, storage and transport. 

e) Chemical residues and microbiological contamination in foodstuffs within its sphere of 

authority. 

5. To perform all necessary analytical tests to carry out its activities. 

6. To issue required health and quality certifications for domestic consumption and for 

exported and imported products. 

7. To define epidemiological zones and/or borders when necessary to safeguard the health 

status of animals and/or plants and to protect public health and establish all necessary 

measures. 

8. To adopt and implement applicable technical and administrative actions, including the 

sacrifice of animals and/or destruction of plants to safeguard the health status of plants and 

animals or protect public health. 

9. To oversee compliance with the obligations to which individuals or companies must 

conform as provided for in the legislation in force within its sphere of authority. 

10. To register, approve, enrol, close down, suspend and oversee operators and 

establishments that process and/or manufacture, condition, store, transport and market 

products that are within its sphere of authority. 

11. To register, approve, prohibit and/or restrict the use and/or marketing of farm inputs 

that are within its sphere of authority. 

12. To promote improvements in environmental management in laboratories, quarantine 

stations, border control posts, experimental farms and other facilities of the Service, 

emphasizing waste management and minimisation of the use of water and energy and 

collaborate with the competent environmental authorities. 

13. To generate and provide statistical information on products within the sphere of authority 

of the Service. 

14. To promote and carry out research, development and public production of products 

intended for diagnosis, prevention, eradication and treatment of animal and/or plant diseases 

and/or pests. 

15. To promote and facilitate the establishment of Continuous Training Centres for national, 

provincial and/or municipal officials, the private sector and related official entities in line 

with national policies and/or programmes and those of international reference organisations 

in order to provide training and specialisation, increase their capabilities and improve the 

competencies of the agents of the Service and its associates. 

16. To implement and promote within its sphere of authority applied, documentary, field, 

experimental or analytical scientific research with the purpose of optimising compliance with 

its primary responsibilities in the fields of animal health, plant protection, agri-food quality 

and safety and commitment to the environment and achieve the objectives laid down in Law 

No. 25,467. 

ANNEX TO ARTICLE 7 

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES 

NATIONAL AGRI-FOOD HEALTH AND QUALITY SERVICE 

NATIONAL DIRECTORATE FOR TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRTIVE ISSUES 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY 

To participate in the coordination of technical and administrative activities of the Agency and 

the services it provides. 

To participate in human resources management and in the analysis and proposal of the 

organisational structure of the Service. 

To lead the technical and administrative support provided to the Regional Offices of the 

Service. 

ACTIONS: 
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1. To coordinate the implementation of accounting, economic - financial, asset and service 

management activities required for the functioning of the Service. 

2. To coordinate the human resources and organisation policy. 

3. To propose alternatives and changes to the existing organisational model and coordinate 

the development of the organisational structures of the Service. 

4. To coordinate the remittance, follow-up and archiving of administrative documents, 

determining in each case the units in the jurisdiction with primary responsibility to resolve 

the issues. To manage the public information system and other administrative systems. 

5. To coordinate information technology activities of the Service, including equipment 

infrastructure, software, data and voice communication, information systems and associated 

technologies. 

6. To participate in the implementation, compliance and follow-up of Cooperation and 

Technical Assistance Agreements signed by the Service. 

7. To coordinate the analysis and updating of fees and tariffs for the services provided by the 

Service and actions related to the operational and accounting records of credits the Service 

may have as a result of the collection of fees, tariffs, contributions, fines and/or fiscal 

damages determined by final administrative actions, and issue applicable debt certificates. 

ANNEX TO ARTICLE 8 

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES 

NATIONAL AGRI-FOOD HEALTH AND QUALITY SERVICE 

NATIONAL DIRECTORATE FOR AGRI-FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY 

To participate in the performance of food risk analyses, issue specific norms, plans, 

programmes and procedures for approval, control, processing and certification of the 

hygiene, safety and quality of raw materials, products, by-products and derived products of 

animal and plant origin at establishments and/or facilities that produce, process, 

manufacture, harvest, slaughter, fractionate, distribute, transport, store, handle, collect and 

market these products as well as of specific inputs, feed, chemical, physical and biological 

contaminants in products for domestic consumption, import, export and in-country 

movements. 

To participate in the certification of the hygiene, health and quality of the products, byproducts and derived products within its scope of authority. 

ACTIONS: 

1. To develop norms and procedures related to agri-food hygiene, safety and quality to which 

regional operational offices and agri-food commercial operators must conform. 

2. To participate in the updating of the models of international health and quality certificates 

for the export and import of products, by-products and derived products of animal and plant 

origin, feed and applicable certification procedures, and assess, approve and audit entities 

and agri-food certification systems. 

3. To analyse, develop and propose technical norms and procedures on sanitary engineering, 

approval, inspection and certification of slaughterhouses and establishments that 

manufacture, store, transport, produce, condition and process products, by-products and 

derived products of animal and plant origin as well as control of their production processes. 

4. To participate in the development, amendment and updating of norms on hygiene, safety 

and quality of raw materials that impact the trade of products, by-products and derived 

products of animal and plant origin and feed at a national and international level and approve 

export destinations for products within its sphere of authority. 

5. To participate in the approval of imports and the international transit of goods within its 

sphere of authority and establish control procedures for internal barriers, in-country 

movements and border controls. 

6. To participate in the formulation of procedures to enforce actions on control of infectious 

and parasitic diseases of animals established in animal and/or public health programmes and 

ensure their compliance within its sphere of authority. 
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7. To perform technical-scientific assessments of the hygiene, safety and quality of foodstuffs 

of animal and plant origin including those derived from Genetically Modified Organisms 

(GMOs). 

8. To approve containers and materials in contact with foodstuffs of plant origin and their 

labels for the domestic market and export, that are used by establishments approved by the 

NATIONAL AGRI-FOOD HEALTH AND QUALITY SERVICE. 

9. To participate in the development, amendment and updating of zootechnical norms on 

trading of breeding animals, seminal material, embryos and embryonated eggs intended for 

reproduction. 

10. To participate in the implementation of inspection, control, oversight, approval, 

certification and supervisory actions at establishments that manufacture fishery and 

aquaculture products. 

ANNEX TO ARTICLE 9 

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES 

NATIONAL AGRI-FOOD HEALTH AND QUALITY SERVICE 

NATIONAL DIRECTORATE FOR AGROCHEMICALS, VETERINARY PRODUCTS AND FEED 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY 

To participate in the development, enforcement and follow-up of national norms and 

regulations on production, marketing and use of phytosanitary products, fertilisers and 

amendments used in agricultural production and control of plant pests, to oversee the 

manufacturing, fractionation, distribution, storage and marketing of medicinal products, 

biologics and drugs used in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry as well as the approval 

of products, by-products and derived products of animal origin, of domestic or imported 

origin, intended for use as food or feed. 

To participate in the planning, scheduling and coordination of plans and programmes to 

ensure compliance with the requirements for production, marketing and use of phytosanitary 

products, fertilisers and amendments as well as drugs, biologics and products used in 

veterinary medicine and their management control. 

ACTIONS 

1. To develop and propose technical norms and requirements for the manufacture, 

production, marketing and use of phytosanitary products, fertilisers and amendments, 

veterinary and plant health products, feed and drugs used in veterinary medicine. 

2. To register individuals, legal entities and objects subject to registration, in accordance 

with the technical norms applicable within its sphere of authority. To register the use and 

marketing of veterinary and plant health products, fertilisers and amendments with authority 

to restrict or prohibit their marketing and use, and products, by-products and derived 

products of animal origin intended for use as food or feed of domestic or imported origin. 

3. To propose withdrawal periods and tolerance levels for residues or contaminants and 

products, by-products and derived products of plant or animal origin resulting from 

phytosanitary products or products and drugs used in veterinary medicine to protect public 

health. 

4. To organise, regulate and manage the national registers within its sphere of authority. 

5. To represent the Service in toxicological and ecotoxicological action networks. 

6. To register and/or approve and audit establishments that manufacture, fractionate, store 

and sell products and drugs used in veterinary medicine, animal husbandry and for the 

diagnosis of animal diseases, and facilities that manufacture, fractionate and store 

phytosanitary products, fertilisers and amendments. 

7. To manage the register of food additives, containers and materials in contact with 

foodstuffs approved by the applicable office of the Service. 

8. To participate in the decisions regarding applications to export and import products and 

drugs used in veterinary medicine, phytosanitary products and feed. 

9. To collaborate with the Regional Offices of the Service, overseeing compliance with the 

norms and technical regulations on the use and marketing of products within the sphere of 

authority of the National Directorate. 
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10. To propose, regulate and coordinate the technical advisory committees on matters within 

its sphere of authority.