Prohibition on the export of Cyprinid fish from Singapore

A recent mission to Singapore, by European inspectors from the EC Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) to examine the aquatic animal health controls in that territory, has revealed a number of shortcomings in the legislative system in place.

Following discussions with the European Commission, the Singapore competent authority for fish health has chosen to put in place a voluntary prohibition on the export of ornamental cyprinid fish, pending the introduction of import rules which meet the standards laid down by the EU.

This decision means that it will not be possible to obtain coldwater ornamental fish from suppliers in Singapore, with immediate effect. We can’t at present advise how long this trade control will be maintained by the Singapore authorities. This will depend on how long it takes them to draft legislation on the control of fish imports and present this for the approval of its trade partners through WTO.

The trade in tropical ornamental species from Singapore will be unaffected by this prohibition.

The European Commission have asked Member States to ensure that this trade control is monitored, and so any coldwater fish consignments which leave Singapore contrary to this prohibition will be seized and destroyed at Border Inspection Posts.

Once we have information from the Singapore authorities that their export prohibition has been lifted we will advise accordingly.

If you need advice regarding this situation please call the Fish Health Inspectorate on 01305 206700 or email them on fhi@cefas.co.uk.