CAC/GL 48-2004 Model Certificate for Fish and Fishery Products
INTRODUCTION
Certification is one method that can be utilized by regulatory agencies of importing and exporting countries to compliment the control of their inspection system for fish and fishery products. To help facilitate international trade, the numbers and types of certificates should be limited and could be promoted through international (Codex) model certificates. Notwithstanding, alternatives to the use of official and officially recognized certificates1 should be considered wherever possible, in particular where the inspection system and requirements of an exporting country are assessed as being equivalent to those of the importing country.
The establishment of bilateral or multilateral agreements, such as mutual recognition agreements may provide the logical basis for discontinuing with the issuance of certificates.
SCOPE
The model certificates apply to fish and fishery products presented for international trade that meet food safety, wholesomeness and conformity to food production requirements of the importing country. Animal and plant health matters are not covered. Where administratively and economically feasible, certificates may be issued in an electronic format provided that the relevant authorities of both the importing and exporting
country are satisfied with the security of the certification system.
Certificates should adequately describe one or several lots or batches of product’s compliance with regulatory requirements based on regular inspections by the inspection service. Additional examinations,analytical results, evaluation of quality assurance procedures or product specifications may also be attested to.
