From the 16 to-25 of February 2020, ARISE+ Indonesia conducted an assessment of compliance with EU regulation for production and export of shellfish. The assessment, that was carried out in Desa Sungai Burung, was a follow up to a similar official EU assessment in 2002.The objective of the mission was to assess a specific production area and provide advise on how to comply with EU legislation if non-compliances was identified.
The assessment was participated by two ARISE+ Indonesia experts, three representatives of Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, national and local authorities and representatives of the shellfish producers and collectors.
The assessment found that whilst some progress has been made, in relation to recommendations made in the food and veterinary office (FVO) report of 2002, but overall, the findings remain similar and relate to the following areas for improvement: legislative framework; the role of the competent authority; the capabilities of the laboratories.
Consideration should be given to assessment of suitability of fishery product such as frozen and/or cooked products for export to the EU rather than live bivalve molluscs. Given the extended travel time to the EU, export of live product will have an adverse effect on subsequent shelf-life which may reduce competitiveness with products exported to the EU from countries closer.
