Endangered eel species found in imported consignments: AVA
The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) has found endangered eels in imported consignments here that were brought in without proper permits.
In a circular issued on Tuesday (31 July), the authority cautioned traders and suppliers on the need to have proper permits when importing, exporting or re-exporting European eels (scientific name: Anguilla anguilla).
The species is currently listed under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and is also listed under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 2006.
The AVA added that it had sent a circular in January 2009 about the European eel being listed under the Appendix II of the CITES. The circular on Tuesday also stressed that any parties looking to import, export or re-export of these eels and its parts and products will require CITES permits from the authority.
For instance, those importing European eels are required to obtain a CITES export/re-export permit issued by the relevant authorities from the exporting/re-exporting country as well as a CITES import permit from the AVA.
“The permit requirements would be applicable to live fish and the parts and products in frozen, chilled, canned or processed forms of the fish.
“Please note that the import of CITES specimens must be accompanied by valid and original CITES import and export/re-export permits for each consignment,” said the AVA.
Penalties for infringing the Act include fines of up to $50,000 per scheduled species – not exceeding an aggregate of $500,000 – as well as a possible jail term of up to two years.
“Please remind your suppliers to comply with the proper export/re-export procedure for CITES-listed specimens,” said the AVA.
For more information on the import procedure of CITES-listed products, refer to the AVA website and 6805 2992.
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