From April 25, traders may import endangered, precious and rare aquatic species on the list of aquatic species permitted for trading in Vietnam without import licenses, according to Government Decree 26 dated March 8.
However, the export, import, re-export and introduction from the sea of endangered, precious and rare aquatic species specified in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora must comply with the domestic law on the management of endangered species of wild fauna and flora and the Convention.
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| Entities wishing to export aquatic species banned from export must obtain approval from the Prime Minister__Photo: Internet |
As for import of aquatic animal breeds not on the list of aquatic species permitted for trade in Vietnam for the purpose of scientific research or exhibition, the permission from the General Department of Fisheries (GDF) is required.
Meanwhile, entities wishing to export aquatic species banned from export must obtain approval from the Prime Minister.
Under the new regulation, an endangered, precious and rare aquatic animal breed, which is a confiscated exhibit of a criminal case or an evidence of a violation subject to administrative sanctioning, will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Specifically, if the aquatic animal is in good conditions, it must be released to the natural environment. If it is injured, it must be handed to a functional unit for nurturing and treatment before being release to the environment.
If the confiscated exhibit is a dead body part or a dead aquatic animal, it must be handed to the Vietnam National Museum of Nature or a scientific research center for exhibition, research, education or disposal in accordance with law.
If the confiscated exhibit is sick and might cause a dangerous epidemic, it must be immediately disposed of in accordance with the laws on animal health and plant protection and quarantine.
When wishing to trade in aquatic species, traders may refer to the lists issued together with the new decree, including list of endangered, precious and rare aquatic species, list of aquatic species permitted for trading in Vietnam, list of aquatic species banned from export, and list of aquatic species subject to conditional trading.
The new regulation also requires imported aquatic feed and aquaculture environment treatment products containing chemicals, bio-products and microorganisms, and feed materials on the list of chemicals, bio-products and microorganisms permitted for use in aquatic feed to be licensed by the GDF.
According to the General Department of Customs, in the last year, the export turnover from aquatic products hit nearly USD 9 billion, an increase of 5.8 percent compared to 2017, while aquatic imports into Vietnam recorded USD 1.72 billion, rising by 19.6 percent against the previous year.- (VLLF)
