Myanmar traders are allowed to export catfish and other siluriformes to the United States for an 18-month period, as the Food and Drug Administration transfers regulatory control of the industry to the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. During this time, FSIS will carry out a new inspection program and will reach out to all exporters to ensure they understand the new requirements Since the 18-month transition period began on March 1, local exporters have been busy with preparations, said U Soe Tun, vice chair of the Myanmar Shrimp Association. Exporters are responsible for the quality of their product, he said, adding that the US is keen to see how many tonnes of catfish will be exported from Myanmar. The FSIS has already announced the names of 13 Myanmar companies which are qualified to export siluriformes, he said. During the transition period, the FSIS will inspect selected shipments of imported catfish and their products. Inspection regulations aim at protecting local fish farmers in the US, said U Han Tun, executive director of Myanmar Fisheries Federation. Myanmar has been allowed to export fish products to the US since a number of economic sanctions against the country were lifted during former president U The in Sein’s term. U Han Tun said Myanmar’s fisheries export industry to the US has not yet been developed, unlike in neighbouring Vietnam, China, Bangladesh and India which all export siluriformes and their products to America. Myanmar’s fishery products are mainly exported to the United Kingdom, European Union, the Middle East and Canada. When the 18-month transition period ends in September 2017, if Myanmar wants to continue exporting catfish to the US, it must submit adequate documentation showing that its own inspection system is up to an adequate standard.
2016 The Myanmar Times.