The Sea Fish Industry Authority, or Seafish, on Wednesday advised the UK seafood industry of new health certificates required for certain seafood products imported into the European Union.
As of 30 June, farmed seafood, such as ungutted catfish, tilapia or cod, and farmed salmon roe not in a retail pack, will be required to carry the certificate.
From 1 July, non-exempted consignments arriving at the UK Border Inspection Posts with incorrectly completed certificates may be rejected.
Exemptions to the requirement include all wild seafood, seafood in retail packs and farmed crustaceans that are either dead or unable to survive if released. These products are not required to carry the certificates until 31 July, 2010.
"Defra [the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] has advised importers to start using the new certificates now rather than wait for the end of the transitional periods and this is very sound advice," said Seafish spokesperson Ivan Bartolo. "This will give importers valuable time to talk to their suppliers and ensure officials in the exporting country are aware of the new requirements."
April 15, 2009
