MINISTRY OF FISHERIES CRITERIA FOR REGISTRATION OF IMPORTERS

Transcription

1 MINISTRY OF FISHERIES CRITERIA FOR REGISTRATION OF IMPORTERS The Import of fish and fish products is controlled by the Ministry of Fisheries in accordance with the Fisheries and Marine Resources (Import of Fish and Fish Products) Regulations 2012, made under the Fisheries and Marine Resources Act Prior to importation of any consignment of fish or fish products a person/company shall have to: be registered to the Ministry of Fisheries; pay to the Mauritius Revenue Authority Custom Department, an Annual Import Fee; and comply with the requirements and standards stipulated in the Fisheries and Marine Resources (Import of Fish and Fish Products) Regulations 2012 and conditions of the import. The person/company intending to import fish or fish products into Mauritius should have: (a) a valid trade Licence issued by the Municipality or District Council; (b) Food Handlers Certificate (s) issued by the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life for importers of fish/fish products for Human consumption; (c) a certificate of incorporation issued by the registrar of companies. the name, address, phone, address and proof of address or location of the company shall have to be provided also as per the application for registration of importers. Appropriate storage facilities commensurate with the product intended for import should be available. For frozen fish or fish product, the cold storage facilities should be capable of maintaining the temperature of product at -18 degree C or colder and for the purpose of importing chilled fish or fish products the chilled storage facilities should be capable of maintaining the temperature of the product as close as possible to 0 degree C, but not more than +4 degree C. The cold room shall be fitted with a temperature recording device to ensure effective temperature control. Dried, salted and canned fish or fish products shall have to be stored in appropriate storage facilities under good hygienic and sanitary conditions. Appropriate facilities shall have to be available for the transport of frozen fish or fish products. The refrigeration equipment in the vehicle shall be capable of maintaining the temperature of the product at -18 degree C, with minimal temperature fluctuation during transportation. Chilled fish shall be transported in vehicles capable of maintaining the temperature of the product as close as possible to zero degree C. Importers of live ornamental fish should have appropriate Quarantine facilities. 1

2 MINISTRY OF FISHERIES APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION (FOR IMPORT OF FISH OR FISH PRODUCTS) DATE:.. I. of (company).. hereby apply for registration to import fish and fish products from foreign countries. I undertake to abide by all the terms and conditions imposed by the Ministry of Fisheries. (2). Details of the applicant/company (Copies of Documents to be submitted) Address: Residential address:... E mail address:... Phone/mobile number: Trade Licence number:... Food Handlers Certificate:.... Fax No.. Validity:..... Validity:..... Business Registration Card:... Certificate of Incorporation: Date issued:.... Intended activities (Business):.... (3) Facilities Means of transport (type of vehicle, No., horse power etc.):... Warehouse / Cold room (details location, size, capacity etc.):.. Quarantine facilities (location, size, No of aquarium etc.):. Processing establishment (location, size, type of processing etc.):... Signature of applicant:.. ID number:. (4) For Official use (i) Checked and verified by: Signature/Designation:.. (ii) Recommended/Not Recommended:..... Signature/Designation:.. Date:..... (iii) Approval:. Signature/Designation:.. Date:... 2

3 MINISTRY OF FISHERIES APPLICATION / AUTHORISATION TO IMPORT FISH & FISH PRODUCTS I (applicant) of (company)..... hereby apply for an authorization to import into Mauritius the fish / fish products listed below / on the annexed sheet. Quantity SN Type* Common name Scientific name (Units/Kg/ T) *please specify: Live/chilled/frozen/dried/smoked/canned/paste/processed or others Purpose of importation: (Sale on local market/processing/ sample) Country of origin: Country from which consigned:. Name of approved establishment in country of origin:... Establishment number:.brand name:.. Mode of transport:... Expected date of shipment:... Signature and name of applicant: ID. No.: Date:... Tel No.: Mob: Fax. No: E Mail:.. For official use Authorisation has been granted to the above named applicant to import the fish / fish products listed above / on the annexed sheet. Authorisation No:... Signature: Name:.. Official seal Date:. 3

4 GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR THE IMPORT OF FISH AND FISH PRODUCTS 1. The consignment shall be accompanied by the original official Health certificate from the country of origin stating: 1.1 the scientific name(s) and common name(s) of the fish; 1.2 the date of issue and the authorization number, the name of the importer, the name of the vessel/carrier and the net weight being shipped; 1.3 that the fish/fish products have been caught, handled, stored, transported, processed, and packaged under sanitary and hygienic standards as set out by Codex Alimentarius General Principles of food hygiene and the Code of Practice for fish and fishery products (CAC/RCP , Rev ); 1.4 that the fish/fish products have been stored, processed and packed in an establishment approved for export by the competent authority (Approval no. of establishment to be mentioned); 1.5.(i) that representative samples of the product(s) have been subjected to bacteriological analysis in an approved laboratory and the results obtained are within the following norms: a) Faecal coliforms less than 1 per gram b) Anaerobes less than 2 per gram c) Staphylococcus aureus in sea food except frozen fish nil d) Staphylococcus aureus in frozen fish less than 100 per gram e) Total viable count at 30 0 C, less than 10 6 per gram f) Absence of Salmonella and Vibrio organisms in 25 grams. (ii) in the case of pelagic fish species such as tuna, becune (Acanthocybium solandri), dorade (Coryphaena hippurus) the histamine content shall be less than 100 ppm for one sample, and the combined value of the two samples shall not exceed 200 ppm. (iii) the mercury content in marlins, swordfish, tuna and tuna like species shall not exceed 1 ppm. (iv) the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB N) shall not exceed 25 mg of N per 100 g of fish flesh. 1.6 that the products are free from parasites and viruses capable of causing infection in animals or man; 1.7 that the product is fit for human consumption; 2. If the Official Health Certificate does not conform to the above norms, landing of the fish / fish products shall not be allowed. 3. Any fish intended for human consumption shall be gutted unless it shall be used as bait or for processing (canning, salting, smoking, marinade). 4. Chilled fish and fish products shall be maintained at a temperature as close as possible to the temperature of melting ice (0 0 C). The core temperature of the fish shall not be more than 4 o C. 5. Chilled fish and fish products shall be transported in isothermic vehicles and shall not be exposed to contaminated material during transportation. 6. Frozen /chilled fish fillet shall be properly packed and labelled as specified at para (12) and shall be presented with the skin on. Fish fillets which are pre packed in the country of origin for retail outlets may be presented skinless. 7. Frozen fish and fish products shall be maintained at a temperature of 18 C (minus 18) or colder, except brine frozen tuna intended for canning which may be kept at a temperature of 9 o C (minus 09). 4

5 8. Frozen fish and fish products shall be imported in reefer containers capable of maintaining a temperature of minus 18 ( 18 C). 9. Frozen fish and fish products shall be transported in refrigerated vehicles and shall not be exposed to contaminated materials during transportation. 10. Any fish landed into Mauritius shall have to be gutted, and gilled when frozen. 11. For canned products, each tin shall be embossed or otherwise permanently marked in code or in clear to identify the producing factory, the date of production and the contents of the container. A decoding list for deciphering the embossed codes emanating from the canning factory shall be produced prior to any imports. The list shall be endorsed by the Competent Authority of the originating country. 12. All fish or fish products shall be properly packed and labelled to indicate: (a) the common name of the fish or fish product, (b) scientific name of fish or fish product as stated in the import authorisation, (c) country of origin, (d) the name of importer, (e) the authorisation number issued by the Ministry, (f) the name and address of the exporting establishment, (g) the date of manufacture/production/processing consisting of the day, month and year in uncoded chronological form, (h) date of expiry, (i) instruction on storage conditions, (j) the type of preparation/processing or specific treatment which it has undergone, (k) the net weight (g/kg), (l) percentage glazing in frozen fish, (m) the ingredients used, (n) the chemical and common name, EEC serial No and type of food additives used during preparation or processing, (o) type of packaging, and (p) the code number or batch number. 13. The statement required to appear on the label shall be clear, prominent, indelible and readily legible by the consumer under normal conditions of purchase and use. 14. Only those fish and fish products listed on the authorisation shall be imported. Should a fish or fish products derived from fish scheduled as toxic be found inadvertently in the consignment, the fish and fish products shall be seized and destroyed without any compensation. 15. Any fish or fish products shall be authorized for entry into Mauritius only after a joint inspection by officers of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues and analysis of appropriate samples if deemed necessary. 16. An authorisation may be cancelled without any compensation at any time in case of disease outbreak or suspicion of diseases in the country of export. 17. The Ministry shall have to be informed in advance of the date and time of arrival of the consignment to enable clearance at the ports of disembarkation. 18. An authorisation from this Ministry does not exempt the importer to other conditions imposed by other authorities. 19. Should the need arise, any of the conditions above may be modified or new conditions added. 20. An authorisation is issued in respect of one consignment which should be imported within the validity period. 21. An authorisation is subject to the provisions of the Fisheries and Marine Resources (Import of Fish and Fish Products) Regulations 2012, and the specific conditions depending on the species. 22. If any of the conditions imposed by this Ministry for the import of fish and fish products is contravened, the consignment will be forfeited without any compensation. 5

6 Conditions for the import of live crab / lobster 1. The live crabs / lobster should be imported in a dry state and should be sold by the next day of arrival to the hotels or restaurants or at the approved retail sale outlets. 2. The importer shall have to produce an accounting statement of sale of the products. 3. The importer shall inform this Ministry in advance of the carrier, flight number, date and time of arrival of the consignment to enable arrangements for clearance at the airport. 4. Each consignment have to be accompanied by the original official Health Certificate duly signed by an Authorized Officer of the country of origin certifying that the animals are free of diseases and parasites of human or animal origin. 5. Live crab/lobster shall be exported by an establishment approved for export by the Official Veterinary Services of the country of origin (Approved number of establishment to be mentioned). 6. The live crabs/lobster shall be dispatched free from soil, mud and plant material. 7. The competent authority shall certify that the live crabs/lobster have been caught from a disease free area. 8. The live crab/lobster shall be handled under hygienic and sanitary conditions and packed in sterile packaging / containers prior to shipment. 9. The date and number of the import permit, the name of the importer, the vessel/carrier transporting the consignment, the scientific name and common name of the specimen, the number of packages and the quantity shipped must be stated on the Health Certificate. 10. The animals shall under no circumstances be released into the environment. 11. If any of the above conditions are not complied with, the consignment may be destroyed without any compensation. 12. An authorization does not exempt any clearance needed from other authorities. 13. The above conditions may be modified or new conditions added at any time should such a need arise. 6

7 CONDITIONS FOR THE IMPORT OF SEA SHELLS 1. The scientific name(s) and common name(s) of the shells should be spelt out clearly on the import documents. 2. The consignment should be accompanied by a CITES certificate and an official fumigation report from the country of origin. 3. The name of the establishment where the shells have been stored, processed and packed should be mentioned. 4. The shells should be properly packaged, clean with no muscle meat and free from dust, soil particles, sand and seaweeds. 5. The shells should be free from parasites or other organisms capable of causing infection to animals or human beings. 6. If any of the conditions imposed by the Ministry is contravened, the consignment may be forfeited without any compensation. 7. An authorisation is issued subject to registration with the Ministry and payment of annual import fee to the MRA. 8. An authorisation from this Ministry does not exempt the importer to abide by other conditions imposed by other authorities. 9. An authorisation is issued in respect of one consignment only. 10. The above conditions may be modified or new conditions added. 7

8 MINISTRY OF FISHERIES CONDITIONS TO IMPORT FISH FOR CULTURE PURPOSES 1. The consignment as per the authorisation issued should be dispatched in sterile water. 2. The consignment should be accompanied by a Health Certificate issued by an authorised officer from the Health or Veterinary Services of the country of origin to certify that the fish are free of diseases and parasites of human or animal origin, and have been dispatched in sterile water. 3. The importer shall have facilities approved by the Ministry for the purpose of quarantine. 4. The fish should be kept in quarantine as may be specified by the Ministry. Should any disease be observed to develop during this period, the Ministry should be informed immediately. 5. The water in the transporting bags from the exporting country should be treated with chlorine (javel) prior to discharge into an isolated pit, on the day of arrival. 6. All materials used during transport, and the packaging from the exporting country should be treated with chlorine on the day of arrival prior to disposal, or disposed by burning. 7. Any dead fish found in the consignment should de disposed of by burning. 8. The imported fish should be kept in confinement separately from locally cultured species, and in no circumstances be released into the environment. 9. Effluents form the quarantine facilities should be treated with chlorine prior to discharge into an isolated pit. No effluents should be discharged into culture ponds or any other water bodies or into the environment. 10. Should any epidemic diseases be observed to develop, the fish will be disposed of by burning under supervision of an authorized officer. 11. The fish should be imported from an establishment approved for export by the Competent Authority of the country of origin (Approved Number of establishment to be mentioned). 12. The date and number of the authorisation, the name of the importer, the scientific name and common name of the fish, the number of packages and the quantity shipped must be mentioned on the Health Certificate. 13. The importer should inform this Ministry in advance of the carrier, flight number and date of arrival of the consignment, to enable arrangements for clearances at the port of entry and quarantine. 14. An authorisation to import is issued in respect of one shipment only. 15. Specimens of the consignment may be collected by the Research Centre of the Ministry for monitoring purposes. 16. If any of the above conditions is not complied with, the whole consignment may be forfeited without any compensation. 17. The above conditions may be amended or new conditions added should such a need arise. 18. An authorisation to import is issued subject to Registration as importer with this Ministry and the payment of an annual import fee payable to the Mauritius Revenue Authority. 19. An authorisation to import issued by this Ministry does not exempt any clearance needed from other authorities. 8

9 CONDITION FOR THE IMPORT OF LIVE ORNAMENTAL FISH 1. Each consignment shall be accompanied by the original official Health Certificate duly signed by an authorised Officer of the country of origin to the effect that the fishes are free of diseases and parasites of human or animal origin and have been dispatched in sterile conditions. 2. A CITES report certified by the competent authority in the country of origin shall accompany the live fish consignment. 3. Live fish shall be exported by an establishment approved for export by the competent authority from the country of origin (Approved No. of establishment to be mentioned). 4. The date and number of this import permit, the name of the importer, the vessel/carrier transporting the fish consignment, the scientific name and common name of the fish, the number of packages and the quantity shipped must be stated on the Health Certificate. 5. Sterile water and containers shall be provided for the transfer of live fish at the Port of entry/point of transfer where they will be treated with disinfectant on arrival. 6. The water in the plastic bags from the exporting country shall be treated with chlorine prior to discharge into a pit approved by this Ministry. 7. The importer shall inform this Ministry at least three days in advance of the carrier, flight number and date of arrival of the consignment, to enable arrangements for quarantine clearance at the port of entry. 8. Live fish shall be kept under observation for a period of not less than seven days prior to sale. Should any disease be observed to develop during this period, the Ministry should be informed. 9. Effluents from aquaria shall be treated with chlorine prior to discharge in a pit. No effluents are to be discharged into culture ponds or any other water bodies. 10. Imported aquarium fish shall be kept in confinement separated from locally cultured species - camaron, carps etc. and in no circumstances be released into the environment. 11. Should any epidemic disease be observed to develop, the fish will be disposed of by burning under the supervision of an authorised officer. 12. Any dead fish found in the consignment will be disposed of in the same manner as stated at (11) above. 13. If any of the above conditions is not complied with, the fish consignment may be forfeited without any compensation. 14. The above conditions may be amended or new conditions added at any time should such a need arise. 15. An authorisation to import is issued subject to Registration as importer with this Ministry and the payment of an annual import fee payable to the Mauritius Revenue Authority. 9

10 MINISTRY OF FISHERIES Additional Requirements for import of fish and fish products from Madagascar Import of fish or fish products from Madagascar is authorised subject to the following additional conditions: the exporting establishment / processing plant / fishing vessel should be accredited for export of the species and type of product to Mauritius and/or EU countries. the consignment should be certified fit for human consumption and accompanied by an Official Health certificate from the Competent Authority of Madagascar as per the World Organisation for Health (Office International des Epizooties). (A model certificate may be requested by the Ministry prior to issuing an authorisation for import). The product should originate from disease free areas in Madagascar. Specific conditions may be imposed by the Ministry depending on species. The Competent Authority of Madagascar should certify that the product have been subjected to bacteriological analysis in an approved laboratory and the results obtained are within the norms set out in the conditions for the import of fish and fish products issued by the Ministry 10