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Certification of Bivalve Molluscan Shellfish for Export to the European Union

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March 24, 2004

TO: Exporters of Fish Products

SUBJECT: Certification of Bivalve Molluscan Shellfish for Export to the European Union

This notice follows from a previous Communique issued on October 8th, 2003 and relates to modifications to the monitoring program for bivalve molluscan shellfish requiring certification for export to the European Union (EU).

As stated previously, the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP) was subject to an audit by the European Commission, Food and Veterinary Office in July, 2003. The purpose of this audit was to verify that Canada’s federal control system regarding the safety of bivalve molluscs is operating in the manner specified by applicable Canadian laws and regulations, and that it is equivalent to that of the EU.

Based on the findings of the audit mission, CFIA is implementing modifications to its export certification and harvest area monitoring programs in order to clearly demonstrate that all certified product will meet EU requirements/standards. These modifications are necessary for continued export of live/raw bivalve molluscan shellfish products to the EU.

The interim measures implemented on October 8th, involving lot-by-lot testing, are now being phased out. As a more permanent means of addressing the issues, modified harvest area monitoring will be implemented in designated areas being harvested for EU export. Therefore, any exporter wishing to ship bivalve molluscan shellfish to the EU must contact the nearest CFIA office for specific details and pre-harvest requirements. Failure to do so could result in delays in obtaining export certificates.

If you have further questions on this change to the export policy, please contact your local CFIA office or the National Manager, Aquaculture and Shellfish, Fish Seafood and Production Division at (613) 221-7022.

Sincerely,

Original signed March 24, 2004

Mary Ann Green
Director
Fish, Seafood and Production Division
Animal Products Directorate
Canadian Food Inspection Agency