4 More Get Nod For Marine Exports To Eu

Four more domestic units have been allowed to export seafood and marine products to the European Union (EU) thus taking the total to 14.

In November 1997, the EU had lifted the ban on Indian fish and fishery products after receiving a list of 10 units which conformed to its hygiene and safety standards.

An export inspection agency letter guaranteeing the efficiency of the inspection, monitoring and control system was also sent. After examination, the agency gave clearance to four more units.

A ministry release said another four or five units are likely to be cleared this month. Further, some marine foods have been given time till June, 1998, to meet the government norms prescribed in 1995.

 

In all, 45 units had applied for approval to export to the EU. All these units are being inspected through an inter-departmental panel consisting of officials from export inspection agencies, Marine Products Export Development Authority and the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, which was constituted by the government to inspect and recommend units which could be allowed to export to the EU.

The EU had banned imports in August 1997 following the detection of hygiene deficiencies in some fishery units by visiting EU teams in June 1997.

A commerce ministry release said exports to the tune of $200 million were being hit by this ban. Following the ban, the ministry revamped the Export Inspection Councils procedures and systems.

During 1996-97, India exported marine products worth over $1 billion, of which the EUs share was around 20 per cent.