Seafood Trade Matters
The latest developments in International Seafood Trade & Market Access affecting Australian Seafood Exporters.
October 12, 2022
In this edition: Updated fish names; DAFF export reforms; SIA trade show EOIs
Seafood Industry Export Plan
Have you seen the Australian Seafood Industry’s first whole-of-industry Export Market Strategic Plan? Seafood Trade Matters reported the launch of the strategy last month and encourages all exporters to have a read.
According to Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) CEO Veronica Papacosta, ‘this is the first export-focused strategic plan developed by the entire Australian seafood industry including our producers, businesses and exporters. This plan has a focus on unity and growth, and reflects the important role our export sector plays in the Australian seafood industry, the $1.4 billion contribution we make to the national economy, and future-proofing the supply of sustainable and nutritious Australian seafood to the world’s growing population’.
Read more on the SIA website here.
Last chance: SIA seeking expressions of interest for trade show participation
Expressions of interest (EOI) for Australian seafood exporters to attend a series of international seafood trade shows with Seafood Industry Australia close this Friday, 14 October.
SIA has received funding to deliver an Australian seafood booth at three international trade shows under the Great Australian Seafood brand. The three trade shows are:
- Seafood Expo North America – Boston 12-14 March 2023
- Seafood Expo Global – Barcelona 25-27 April 2023
- Seafood Expo Asia - Singapore September 2023 (TBC)
If you would like to get involved, register your interest on the SIA website here.
Updated fish names for export documentation
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) has advised exporters of changes to Australian Fish Names and/or scientific names for some fish species in the export documentation system (EXDOC). The changes came into effect on 10 October.
While the amended Australian Fish Names and/or scientific names will automatically print on export certification, exporters should check the department’s advice carefully to see how they are affected. Read more on the DAFF website here.
DAFF targets export reforms for seafood sector
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) is moving forward with reforms to the export regulatory compliance system. For seafood exporters, DAFF has appointed a Seafood Export Facilitator to help companies navigate complex regulatory requirements.
In the coming months, DAFF will be working on a pilot of a risk-based regulatory tool with export registered fishing vessels and storage establishments, as well as arrangements for easier registration and management of seafood export facilities.
DAFF plans to introduce a dedicated online account for all export transactions. Exporters will be able to track requests for certification or inspection and assessment of goods.
Read more about the export reform program on the DAFF website here. Learn more about specific measures targeting the seafood industry here.
EU: Indian Ocean tuna fishing rules adopted in legislation
The European Parliament has voted to adopt all conservation and management measures agreed on by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) since 2008 into EU legislation.
Baird Maritime.com reports, ‘The proposed text concerns a wide range of measures such as a ban on fishing near data buoys, data collection and reporting obligations concerning billfish and blue shark, and measures to protect certain species such as shark, rays, and turtles.’ Read more here.
Taiwanese seafood reappears US forced labor list
The US Department of Labor has included Taiwanese fisheries products on its annual “List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor”.
According to a report from the Taipei Times, ‘Greenpeace Taiwan said the listing would negatively affect Taiwan’s international reputation and its ability to export seafood products, due to a growing demand among consumers and retailers for ethically-sourced seafood.’ Read the article here.
Seafoodsource.com reported on Taiwan’s initial entry onto the list last year. Read more here.
US: Moves to re-establish seafood marketing board
Senators in the USA have introduced a bill that would re-establish the National Seafood Council to run a national seafood marketing campaign promoting the public health benefits and sustainability of seafood. The Council would be funded with USD$25 million per year over five years. Read more here.
WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
Seafoodsource.com reports on implementation of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement. Get the full analysis here.
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The Seafood Trade Advisory Group (STAG) is jointly funded by the Australian government and the fishing industry. We receive funds from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).which is a statutory authority within the portfolio of the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
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