The Hindu Business Line : Seafood industry in a bind over catch certification

Kochi Oct. 19 Months ahead of the January 1, 2010 deadline when the catch certification becomes mandatory for Indian seafood exports to the European Union, the country’s seafood industry is confronting a grim situation. For Indian exporters, the deadline stands much advanced since it would require an average transit period of 30-40 days for marine shipments to reach major EU ports as well as another 10-15 days to get the mandatory customs and other clearance for the export consignments.

“This essentially means that the consignments leaving Indian shores for Europe would require the new catch certification much in advance, even as early as November 15,” Mr Premachandra Bhat, Managing Director of Mangala Marine Exim, said.

Of its total turnover of Rs 200 crore, the Mangala group targets close to Rs 120 crore to the European markets. With less than a month to go, the Government seems ill-prepared to meet the contingency.

Tough task

Sources in the Government said that they were aware of the exigency and were taking a multi-pronged approach to tackle the problem. Unlike the developed countries where registration and provision of catch certification to the small and large fishing ships is quite easy, India has a fleet of close to two lakh fishing boats and an extremely long and difficult coastline to manage.

A large number of the Indian fishing craft are of small and traditional category and others are of the small mechanised variety – making registration and catch certification a tall order for government agencies. Given the stark differences between the fishery of the developed countries and those of the developing world, a section of the exporters were of the opinion that the developing countries should stand together and present a united case.

FOLLOWING VIETNAM

In all likelihood, the government will ask for more time to implement the order while giving an undertaking to abide by the catch certification regulations within a stipulated period. The Government of Vietnam is reported to have resorted to this move, the sources said. The government is also examining whether the demand for catch certification conforms to the rules of the World Trade Organisation.

The Seafood Exporters Association of India pointed out that time is running out for the exporters and whatever be the solution, the Government should get its act together immediately. Mr Bhat, whose exports reach several European countries including Spain, Italy, the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands pointed out that the Indian Government should send a delegation to Europe forthwith, provide a guarantee and ask for more time in view of the magnitude of the task and the livelihoods of lakhs of fishermen involved.

The issue also assumes grave significance since several exporters believe that the government will not be able to get its act together before November 15. Also, any erosion in exports to Europe bodes ill for seafood exports sector since the region accounts for close to 33 per cent of India’s marine exports in value.

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