December 28, 2006 

Vietnam PM tightens control on seafood exports

Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has issued a decree concerning strict measures in seafood processing in an effort to ensure its safety and hygiene in exports.

Under decree 154, collecting, preserving, processing and trading of seafood products containing toxins will be fined up to VND 20 million (US$1,250).

The decree also stipulates processors infusing unknown substances will be fined VND3 million to VND5 million while those who deliberately transport seafood containing harmful toxins in the international markets will be penalised with VND3 million.

Aquatic found to have violated the regulations will be seized or destroyed. Companies and establishments that will commit repeated violations will have their certificates and business permits revoked for six to twelve months.

The new decree is an annex to Decree 128 concerning penalties and punishments on fishery and aquaculture violations.