THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said it plans to assign a panel to conduct biosecurity checks on live imports of giant freshwater prawn to protect the aquaculture industry.
The panel will also vet the health of the imported prawn and the management practices of breeding facilities. The vetting will result in the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance.
Importers must be in possession of a License to Operate as Importer from the BFAR, apart from the usual Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance, filed at least five working days beforehand.
Possible violations associated with non-compliance include smuggling, endangering food security, and unauthorized selling. Violators are liable for fines of between P300,000-P500,000 and eight years’ imprisonment.
Live imports are typically meant to provide stock for the aquaculture industry.
The BFAR will conduct consultations on the planned measures on Sept. 17-19. — Andre Christopher H. Alampay
