24 April 2007

 

 

Starting May 1, 2007, the European Union (EU) will require all shipments of imported fishery products to be accompanied by a new format of certificate. These certificates are now available for any shipments that you anticipate arriving in the EU after May 1, 2007.

 

Please note that the new certificates require new information from exporters such as the HS Code for the products being shipped, the harvest area for molluscan shellfish products, and the identity of the Border Inspection Post (BIP) at which the shipment will be cleared for entry into the EU. Please ensure that you provide inspectors with all of the details that are needed to complete the certificate with each request.

 

The new certificates also require the inspector to complete fish health attestations that are applicable for any shipments that include aquaculture fish products. Aquaculture products must be eviscerated and must have been derived from fish that were clinically healthy on the day of harvest.

 

Old EU Certificates Will Not be Accepted After May 1, 2007

 

Please ensure the appropriate actions are taken to obtain the new EU certificates for any consignments arriving on, or after May 1, 2007. The CFIA understands that EU officials will refuse any consignments that arrive with old certificates on, or after May 1, 2007.

 

The requirements for signing the new EU certificate are still the same. Establishments must be on the EU list and all information must accurately describe the products being shipped. Also, the name and registration number of the establishment described on the certificate must match information posted on the EU list as well as information described on the labels.

 

Please contact your local inspection office for more details on the requirements for shipping fish to the EU.