Exporting Seafood Exporting Seafood to the European Unionto the European Union

Silver SpringMarch, 2009S. Vrignaud

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Summary

NOAA in BrusselsIUU Legislation

Update of current discussions EU Market trends

Global and specific information EU Regulatory Access

Certificates - Labeling

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What we do

NOAA Office in Brussels the unique U.S. “Fisheries” point of contact for EU Institutions and other embassies

Works in collaboration with FAS, APHIS, State Dpt., USTR, FDA, FWS

Provide guidance to all U.S. embassies in Europe for fishery related matters

Provide direct counseling to seafood industry and to U.S. Export Assistance Centers.

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Interaction with Industry

Outreach to the U.S. (ASMI technical meeting, NPA meeting, North West Fisheries, Seafood Export North East…)

Outreach in the EU (UK Port Health Tour) Trade shows (Boston, Brussels and Vigo) Specific counseling and research Release of blocked shipments (3 Million $

in 2008)

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Current Issues

IUU RegulationVeterinary equivalency for shellfishTransfer from FDA to NOAA regarding

certificationMonitoring implementation of new EU

legislation by Member States Tariff quotas Regular monitoring of EU legislation

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IUU Legislation

Principle: To stop imports of illegally caught fish

Who: All EU and third countries fleetsengaged in fishing

Regulation 1005/2008 covers the IUUframework

A Catch certificate will be imposedto all imports from 3rd countries.

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The Catch Certification Scheme:

All marine fishery products traded with the EC, including processed products, shall be accompanied by validated catch certificates

Appropriate flag State authority of the fishing vessel(s) which made the catches will validate the catch certificate

The validation must certify that the catch was made in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and international conservation and management measures

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Where are we ?

More flexible than expectedU.S. – EU discussions on a less

burdensome systemWe are confident that it will note create

too much additional work for industry (we’re working on it…)

However, indirect exportation (to China) will have to comply fully !

Be ready for January 1, 2010

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EU Regulatory Access

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Some basics

NOAA takes certification over from FDA (June 17, 2009)

July 1, 2009 → New certificate for aquaculture products

August 1, 2010 → This new certificate will apply to ALL fishery products

FVO audit on U.S. shellfish production system

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Challenges

Tariffs still highDiscriminatory regimes amongst species (halibut, shrimps).New rules every yearComplex legislation.

Lack of correct implementation.27 times the EU.Differences within a same MS…

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Opportunities

Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).Production Capacity down.TACs & Quotas down.Overall consumption stable despite economic crisisDependence on imports up.

Hygiene packages 1 and 2.Less Regulations / more harmonization.Veterinary equivalency agreement

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Technical Barriers to Trade

Huge number of certificates. Slow validation process for the lists of

approved establishments.The Commission doesn’t take its

responsibilities in case of problem. MS interpret EU legislation their own way

(re-enforced list – samples).

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THANK YOU