Bangkok, Director-General of the Fisheries Department revealed orders to fisheries agencies across the country to step up control over the import of aquatic animal products. It must also comply with WTO regulations, emphasizing strict monitoring of imports of IUU products and proposing to set fees for importing aquatic animals. In line with the current situation to expedite the resolution of the problem of low prices of fisheries products. Mr. Bancha Sukkaew, Director-General of the Fisheries Department, said that Appointed a committee to solve the problem of low aquatic animal prices. Consisting of representatives from all sectors including the public, private and public sectors. By raising the level of control over the import of aquatic animal products, which is still consistent with the requirements of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which defines fisheries products as being classified as an industry. Not an agricultural product As a result, special protection measures (Special Safeguards: SSG) canno t be used. Therefore, measures to stop the importation of aquatic animals and determine the quantity of aquatic animals that can be imported into the country. It may be contrary to the principles of international trade of the WTO, but the Fisheries Department has taken action in other areas. that is in line with WTO measures which are in accordance with international principles Both in terms of hygiene measures To set hygiene standards for aquatic animals to be imported. Standards and quality of aquatic animal products are established. There is a random inspection of aquatic animal products. To analyze residues, heavy metals and various contaminants. in aquatic animal products Including random testing of diseases that are identified as being at risk, such as raising the level of testing from 30% to 100%, randomly collecting samples for residue analysis, increasing from 2% to 10% if it is found to contain substances. If any residue remains in the fishery products, the products will be seized and sent to the Fo od and Drug Administration for inspection. Ready to carry out comparisons, fines and seizure of import licenses. In terms of aquatic animal products caught from the sea There will be measures to prevent the importation of aquatic animals and aquatic animal products that come from illegal fishing (IUU), requiring importers to present a Catch Certificate or any other document showing that the imported aquatic animals were not involved in illegal fishing and can verify the source of aquatic animals Also at this time An operations center has been established to combat the import-export of illegal fishing products. To increase the intensity of surveillance and inspection to prevent illegal importation of aquatic animals or aquatic animal products. Including checking the source of aquatic animals and must clearly inform the destination of aquatic animals imported into the country. This will result in effective traceability. It has also established guidelines for evaluating product quality, origin, and production s tandards at the country of origin in the same manner as the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic China (GACC) of the People's Republic of China. It will be piloted from aquatic species that are imported in large quantities, which are the same species that fishermen in Thailand catch. The Fisheries Department is preparing to hold a meeting to consider appropriate fee rates with stakeholders on February 19, 2024. Once a resolution has been reached, the next steps will be taken immediately. Source: Thai News Agency