February 22, 2011

Vietnam's tra fish entry to Brazil faces difficulty

Vietnam's export of tra fish to Brazil is being delayed as Brazilian agencies have prolonged the time to grant tra import certificates from three to 120 days.

After signing contracts with Vietnamese tra exporters, Brazilian businesses registered for import certificates. Vietnamese tra exporters are only allowed to ship their products once their Brazilian customers receive their import certificates.

Previously, it took only three days to get the certificates. However, four months ago, Brazil increased this time to 60 days, and most recently to 120 days which has created troubles for both importers and exporters, added Duong Viet Thang, deputy general director of the Southern Seafood Industry Joint Stock Company in Can Tho.

Brazil has also listed Vietnamese tra fish on its "special" list which imposes an import tax of 35% instead of the usual 10% import tariff.