By John Dawes

The number of boxes in shipments to The Netherlands must not be more than 5-percent less than the number stated in the health certificate. Photo Credit: John Dawes

Because the fish industry deals with the collection, breeding, rearing, growth, propagation and international transportation of live ornamental fish, invertebrates and aquatic plants, shipments don’t always go as planned. For example, it may sometimes not be possible to ship the exact number of specimens of a species or variety ordered by an importer, owing to some unforeseen problem arising at the last minute. As a result, the number of boxes ordered and shipped may differ.

If the difference between the number of boxes quoted in the health certificate and those that shipped is small (or small enough), there are usually no problems at the importing end. However, if the difference is not small enough or if there’s a difference in the way the veterinary authorities of the importing and exporting countries interpret the term, significant problems can arise, with the boxes not being released until the matter is resolved. Since this can take some time, such delays can end up placing the welfare of the livestock at risk.

Veterinary authorities at ports of entry vary in their flexibility to such instances, with the Dutch being particularly inflexible over consignment/certificate discrepancies. They will accept a shortfall of up to 5 percent, but will never accept a larger number than that stated in the certificate(s). If the shortfall is greater than 5 percent, or if the shipment is higher than that listed in the certificate(s), the consignment is held until revised documents with the correct numbers are received.

Conscious of the problem and of its consequences with regard to the welfare of the in transit livestock, Ornamental Fish International (OFI) has contacted the Dutch veterinary authorities. To date, no solution exists, but efforts are continuing, owing to the seriousness of the matter.

OFI is advising all exporters who ship to, or through, The Netherlands to ensure they provide the importer with an appropriately corrected certificate if there is a shortfall of more than 5 percent or if they are shipping more boxes. If this is not possible, a statement should be obtained from the national veterinary authority of the exporting country, quoting the exact number of boxes in the consignment. Once proper documentation reaches the Dutch border inspection post, they will release the boxes immediately. <HOME>