They said the rule will hurt millions of farmers, processors and exporters in the country.
During working sessions with experts of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) over the past days, relevant agencies and businesses said that the rule would also affect U.S. consumers and disturb bilateral trade in farm produce between the two countries.
The U.S. delegation is paying a visit to Vietnam from February 24 to 26 to clarify regulations and respond to questions over the issue. Earlier this month, a Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Vu Van Tam had a working trip to the U.S. to discuss the rule and prepare for implementation in Vietnam.
From March 2016, an 18-month transitional implementation period for both domestic and international producers will begin, and all Siluriformes fish, including catfish, will be under the regulatory jurisdiction of FSIS and not the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Vietnamese delegation suggested the U.S. provide technical support and create favorable conditions for Vietnam to meet requirements. Local businesses also complained there is a wide gap in production conditions and development levels between the two countries.
The rule may hit Vietnam’s tra and basa fish exports to the U.S., which now generate around US$340 million in revenue a year.
Besides, the rule is contrary to regulations of the World Trade Organization (WTO). It is unnecessary as Vietnamese fish products have been exported to the U.S. for nearly 20 years with no food safety risks found.
The new rule is considered a barrier to Vietnam’s tra and basa fish exports to the U.S. Besides, it goes against WTO regulations and commitments stipulated in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact.
If Vietnam’s fish exports to the U.S. are affected, the country may consider bringing the case to the WTO. However, Vietnam still expects the U.S. to review and lift this rule, according to a delegation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Meanwhile, the USDA pledged not to cause interruption in Vietnam’s fish exports to the U.S. and expressed its good will for better cooperation in implementation of the rule. Both sides will also discuss contents of a technical support program to help Vietnam meet the requirements soon.
The USDA and the Vietnamese agriculture ministry plan to hold an international seminar on fish inspection in HCMC in April. Representatives of 17 countries affected by the rule are invited to the event.
