IMPORT OF LIVE COLDWATER FISH FROM THIRD COUNTRIES : FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q – What rules currently apply to the import of live fish (including carp) into the UK?

A - Under European Union harmonised rules which came into force on 1 May 2004, live fish (including carp) may only be imported into the EU if they are able to satisfy the animal health conditions and certification requirements laid down in Commission Decisions 2003/858/EC, as amended by Decisions 2004/454/EC and 2004/914/EC. The new arrangements replace the national licensing controls on imports that the UK has operated pending harmonisation. Full details are available via efishbusiness/news/040430.asp

The official inspector in the country of export is responsible for ensuring that the consignment is able to satisfy all the requirements laid down in the new animal health certificates. In addition the Food and Veterinary Office of the European Commission carries out r inspection of exporting sources to ensure compliance with EU rules

At the time the new harmonised rules came into force the UK succeeded in gaining additional fish health guarantees to help guard against the introduction of a number of diseases. In the case of carp species these are probably stricter than the arrangements previously in force under national licensing rules.

Q - Does this mean that Defra, CEFAS, the EA have no say in what fish are allowed to be imported into this country?

A - In the guidance we have issued on the new rules we have advised importers that they should seek advice from the Fish Health Inspectorates well in advance about the animal health certification requirements for imports into GB.

In addition the UK authorities must also be notified formally of any imports prior to their arrival and Fish Health Inspectors and State Veterinary Service staff will be continuing to monitor all such imports and will carry out a risk-based programme of spot checks either at the Border Inspector Post or at the place of destination.
If the Inspectorate has cause to dispute the health claims made for certain imports, they may return the fish, slaughter stock where this is not possible or require the fish to be held in quarantine whilst matters are clarified with the exporting authorities. We will act to prevent further imports, pending a resolution of such concerns.

Q - Why can't we ban the import of carp from other countries?

A – No reason to do so under fish health rules if they meet animal health certification requirements. Imports of carp can only take place from sources meeting EU requirements in the countries listed in Annex 1 of Decision 2004/454. (Currently 25 countries are listed).

Application of the precautionary principle has never been possible and under World Trade Organisation rules for every perceived risk there must be a justifiable scientific case made to support controls. The arbitrator in such matters is the OIE (Office International des Epizooties), which is the organisation which lists a range of diseases considered important in terms of global trade.

Q - What is the situation regarding parasites that may be brought in on these fish?

A - We understand that there may be concerns about what the Environment Agency calls Category II parasites and other exotic parasites. CEFAS is responsible for notifiable disease matters but the question of other parasite problems is one for which the Environment Agency are responsible and it is the EA who will decide whether or not the fish are able to be introduced into particular fishery waters.

Q.- Should the UK be considering protecting UK carp as a 'native species' from introductions of types that are different from 'UK carp'.

A.- The risks to existing carp in the UK with regard to their ‘genetic integrity’ are considered to be limited. Carp are a relatively recent introduction to the UK (a few hundred years) and have been derived from many different sources. The fish are also mainly used in man-made, specialist, commercial stillwater fisheries rather than rivers or natural lakes. It is therefore unlikely that we have genetically distinct populations in 'natural' fisheries that need to be 'protected' from newly imported fish from other countries.

Q - Have CEFAS considered the welfare of the animals that will have to undergo potentially long journeys?

A - CEFAS and State Veterinary Service staff, who work at Border Inspection Posts, will be keen to ensure that any carp transported are in a suitable condition on arrival in GB. If the welfare of the fish is compromised, they will take action to ensure that remedial actions are taken for future consignments.

Q - Does CEFAS agree that by allowing these imports it undermines all of its efforts to stop illegal imports?

A – On the contrary. Fish imported strictly in accordance with the new import controls will have to meet high fish health standards, whereas fish imported illegally are likely to be diseased.. It is in the best interests of fishery owners to ensure that they obtain fish of the highest health status at all times.

Q - How do you think these imports will affect the relationship between CEFAS and ECHO?

We sincerely hope that our constructive relationship with ECHO and other fishery interests will continue to flourish . Whilst we may differ in approach on some matters we all have a shared interest in stopping the illegal import of fish so that we can protect the health status of our fisheries.
Fishery owners and anglers must remember that the demand for large carp is driven by them, and not by CEFAS or other government bodies and as such they have the power to influence future trends in carp fisheries CEFAS will remain an impartial advisor to ECHO and other bodies on any matters relating to fish health and its statutory control.