Workers are processing shrimps for exports. Viet Nam has issued the first electronic certificate for seafood exported to EU. — Photo fistenet.gov.vn

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — The European Committee has received the first electronic certificate from Viet Nam for seafood exported to the EU using the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES).

This was announced by Viet Nam's National Agro -Forestry- Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQUAD) on May 13.

The certificate was granted by NAFIQUAD.

Established in 2003, TRACES is a trans-European web-based network run by DG SANTE for veterinary health that notifies, certifies and monitors imports, exports and trade in animals and animal products around the world.

This system aims to ease the paperwork needed for trading in animals and animal products by generating documents and sending copies to appropriate authorities inland and abroad, saving traders time and effort.

The system also allows traders to obtain export health certificates and movement notifications of their dispatches. It further helps authorities meet health regulations and traders' needs.

Authorised agencies of countries will use this system to issue electronic certificates on food and health safety for animals and animal products imported and exported within the EU and imported from outside the EU.

On its official website, TRACES announced that Viet Nam has joined the system and suggested that EU control authorities at border gates be based on electronic certificates to carry out customs clearance procedures for products to enter the EU.

Currently, NAFIQAD is piloting the issuance of TRACES certificates at 17 businesses, and it said electronic certification would be applied to all processed seafood exported to the EU. — VNS