The Fisheries Administration (FiA), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), recently hosted a workshop to educate fishery business operators (FBOs) on the export requirements for fish and fishery products. This initiative aims to streamline the registration process for businesses seeking to enter international markets, including the European Union (EU).
According to a joint press release on August 5, the FiA’s primary goal is to ensure the safety and integrity of fish and fishery products. With technical assistance from UNIDO, the FiA has established a comprehensive food safety system and official control measures that align with EU standards. This system not only facilitates exports but also protects public health.
The implementation of this system has enabled Cambodia to export fish and fishery products to international markets such as China, Australia, New Zealand, and other ASEAN member countries, driven by rising demand from Cambodian and Asian communities abroad.
The FiA is currently working on establishing memoranda of understanding (MoUs) or mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with several countries to further enhance global market access. This effort involves building the capacity of the fisheries competent authority (FCA) to ensure that fish and fishery products meet the hygiene and safety standards set by importing countries.
To meet these export requirements, the FiA has issued the “Technical Requirements for Official Control and Inspection of Quality and Safety of Fish and Fishery Products,” adopted on March 22. While this document is currently voluntary, it becomes mandatory for operators intending to export their products to the EU and other global markets.
The FCA is preparing for an upcoming audit by the EU Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG-SANTE), having submitted the official requests and necessary documentation. The FiA urges all stakeholders in the fishery value chain to collaborate with the FCA to implement the necessary food safety requirements and follow the required processes to obtain export approval.
Passing the DG-SANTE audit would simplify access to other markets for Cambodia. EU recognition would improve Cambodia’s standing in international markets and attract more investment in its post-harvest fisheries sector. The FCA plans to invite the audit to list the country for low-risk products, including fish sauce and fermented and dried fish products sourced from inland wild-capture fisheries.
