Exporting Seafood to the European Union

1. Exporting Seafood to the European Union Silver Spring March, 2009 S. Vrignaud

2. Summary • NOAA in Brussels • IUU Legislation • Update of current discussions • EU Market trends • Global and specific information • EU Regulatory Access • Certificates - Labeling

3. What we do • NOAA Office in Brussels the unique U.S. “Fisheries” point of contact for EU Institutions and other embassies • Works in collaboration with FAS, APHIS, State Dpt., USTR, FDA, FWS • Provide guidance to all U.S. embassies in Europe for fishery related matters • Provide direct counseling to seafood industry and to U.S. Export Assistance Centers.

4. Interaction with Industry • Outreach to the U.S. (ASMI technical meeting, NPA meeting, North West Fisheries, Seafood Export North East…) • Outreach in the EU (UK Port Health Tour) • Trade shows (Boston, Brussels and Vigo) • Specific counseling and research • Release of blocked shipments (3 Million $ in 2008)

5. Current Issues • IUU Regulation • Veterinary equivalency for shellfish • Transfer from FDA to NOAA regarding certification • Monitoring implementation of new EU legislation by Member States • Tariff quotas • Regular monitoring of EU legislation

6. IUU Legislation • Principle: To stop imports of illegally caught fish • Who: All EU and third countries fleets engaged in fishing • Regulation 1005/2008 covers the IUU framework • A Catch certificate will be imposed to all imports from 3rd countries.

7. The Catch Certification Scheme: • All marine fishery products traded with the EC, including processed products, shall be accompanied by validated catch certificates • Appropriate flag State authority of the fishing vessel(s) which made the catches will validate the catch certificate • The validation must certify that the catch was made in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and international conservation and management measures

8. Where are we ? • More flexible than expected • U.S. – EU discussions on a less burdensome system • We are confident that it will note create too much additional work for industry (we’re working on it…) • However, indirect exportation (to China) will have to comply fully ! • Be ready for January 1, 2010

9. EU Regulatory Access

10. Some basics • NOAA takes certification over from FDA (June 17, 2009) • July 1, 2009 → New certificate for aquaculture products • August 1, 2010 → This new certificate will apply to ALL fishery products • FVO audit on U.S. shellfish production system

11. Tariffs still high Discriminatory regimes amongst species (halibut, shrimps). New rules every year Complex legislation. Lack of correct implementation. 27 times the EU. Differences within a same MS… Challenges

12. Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Production Capacity down. TACs & Quotas down. Overall consumption stable despite economic crisis Dependence on imports up. Hygiene packages 1 and 2. Less Regulations / more harmonization. Veterinary equivalency agreement Opportunities

13. Technical Barriers to Trade • Huge number of certificates. • Slow validation process for the lists of approved establishments. • The Commission doesn’t take its responsibilities in case of problem. • MS interpret EU legislation their own way (re-enforced list – samples).

14. THANK YOU