September 25, 2006

Russian extends deadline for Norway seafood export certification

Norway has managed to obtain an extension on the time given to adopt the new export certification system as required by Russia after a meeting between the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and Russian veterinary authorities.

Originally slated for an unreachable goal of implementing the system by Oct 1, the date for adoption has been extended until Oct 15, Fisheries Minister Helga Pedersen told Norwegian news agency NTB.

Pedersen noted that this was very good news. If Norwegian exporters had been unable to meet the deadline, its Russian market for herring, mackerel and other fish would have to be closed.

Now the Norwegians are waiting for a new non-falsifiable export system which they say hopefully, would be ready by Oct 15.

Pedersen said that the agreement did not entail new limitations or approval arrangements for the export of frozen fish.

The requirements for the export of fresh salmon remains unchanged and can only take place from facilities that have been approved by Russian veterinary authorities, Pedersen said.

Russia had recently become Norway's top seafood customer but import figures have fallen due to accusations that some exporters have been using false certificates.