This paper is based on a study that identifies the major causes of detentions and rejections of fishery products in international trade and also assesses control procedures used by the main importing countries/regions, namely Canada, Japan, the European Union and the United States of America. Developing a good understanding of these control procedures and the causes of detentions/rejections is very useful for FAO, which can use the gained insights in its work on the issues facing international harmonization and promotion of equivalence among seafood trading partners. It can also be beneficial for trading partners in their quest to reduce seafood wastages and fishborne illnesses, as well as for donors in their assistance programmes. Accessing essential data proved a major difficulty in compiling the study. This report makes several recommendations for improving the data and their dissemination that would promote transparency and enable FAO to monitor the situation on a regular basis and adapt its international programme in fish safety and quality accordingly.
