December 11, 2009

Thailand seeks for tighter measures on shrimp imports

The Thai Shrimp Association (TSA) urges the government to tighten measures for shrimp imports next year due to concern over possible influx of the products after the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) takes effect.

TSA president Somsak Paneetatyasai says shrimp imports of lower quality might mix with Thai shrimps to be exported to other countries and damage Thailand's reputation in export.

Somsak adds that Thai shrimp exports were accredited and the exporters now fear that shrimps entering the Thai market under AFTA might be contaminated.

AFTA, to be effective on March 1, 2010, will reduce the import tax for shrimps to zero percent.

Shrimp standards widely accepted include strict inspections for environmental-friendly production process and contamination.