Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 September 2008
1592 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a licence is a requirement for the importation of lobsters into Ireland from the United States and Canada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30530/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to import fish or fishery products into Ireland from a non EU country the importer is required to register with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). Fish or fishery products coming from a non EU country must go through an approved Border Inspection Post (BIP). There are three approved BIPs in Ireland, namely Dublin Port, Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport.
The relevant BIP must be notified 24 hours in advance of the arrival of the fishery products. Pre-notification must be in the form of a completed Part I of a document known as the Common Veterinary Entry Document (CVED), which gives necessary information on the product being imported. This form is available from my Department. A signed original health certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the third country must also accompany the consignment.
I am advised by the SFPA that the fish or fishery products must come from an EU-authorised exporting country and an EU approved fishery product establishment within that country. Both the United States and Canada are approved to export fish/fishery products to the EU.
In the specific case of lobsters a licence is not required for commercial imports of lobsters into Ireland from the United States and Canada. The importer would, as outlined above, require to be registered with the SFPA. A health certificate would need to accompany the lobsters and a completed (part I) of CVED forwarded to relevant BIP 24 hours in advance of arrival of consignment. On arrival at the BIP the consignment would be subject to identity, documentary and physical checks.
