January 29, 2007
Vietnam seafood producers face strict Russian export regulations
Vietnamese seafood exporters must meet Russia's stricter import regulations or lose a lucrative position in the Russian market, industry officials say.
A convention held by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters (VASEP)at Ho Chi Minh City on January 28 was attended by more than 100 seafood traders to discuss the importance of Russia's new export rules as even one non-compliance could threaten all Vietnam seafood products.
According to Truong Dinh Hoe, vice secretary general of VASEP, seafood exports to Russia was worth US$120 million in 2006, thus, cornering a significant share of the country's total seafood exports.
He said these profits could be at risk if Vietnamese exporters do not satisfy Russia's new demands.
Dr Tran Bich Nga, Deputy General Director of the National Fisheries Quality Assurance and Veterinary Directorate (NAFIQUAVED), said Russia hectares stricter seafood import controls than many other countries.
Nga said Russian authorities require exporters to show certificates of sanitation, origin and packing process from the Ministry of Fisheries' authorised agencies as well the safety standards set by the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytoveterinary Surveillance (VPSS).
Without these documents, Vietnamese seafood containers will not be allowed on Russian shores, she said.
Nga adds that Russia will immediately ban the import of an entire product if inspectors find any violations of the country's safety standards.
The official disclosed that NAFIQAVED and VASEP are working with VPSS to agree on detailed regulations for Vietnamese seafood exports.
NAFIQAVED will instruct seafood producers on what production conditions must be upgraded to conform to Russia's requirements.
On the other hand, VPSS would send its inspectors to grant exporting licences to Vietnamese establishments who would qualify their safety standards.
Nga said there are already 198 Vietnamese seafood processors that have registered for the inspection with hopes of entering the Russian market.
