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 3 rd 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 Challenges  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…

12 Opportunities  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

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