Update of the import protocol for live fish into Malaysia (Revision to G/SPS/N/MYS/20)

The Department of Fisheries Malaysia, according to Section 40 on Control of Live Fish, Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317), has reviewed the notification of G/SPS/N/MYS/20* (6 July 2009).This amendment accounts for the reclassification and consolidation of species within their respective commodity groups. Furthermore, it incorporates requirements for disease analysis, biosecurity risks, and the specific purpose of exportation to Malaysia. The purpose of this notification is to inform all countries on the updated protocol for the importation of:Live Fish for Human Consumption;Live Fish Broodstock;Live Freshwater Fish Fry;Live Marine Fish Fry;Live Crustacea Broodstock;Live Crustacea Fry;Live Mollusc;Live Invertebrate;Live Aquatic Plant.The risk assessment and quarantine requirements for imported live aquatic animals are as follows:Live Fish for Human Consumption (i): The quarantine requirement is determined by the end-use of the consignment. Shipments designated for direct delivery to restaurants for immediate preparation are exempted from quarantine.Other Commodities (ii-ix): The importation risk and mandatory quarantine period are based on a comprehensive assessment that considers the susceptibility of the species, diseases listed as notifiable by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and other critical biosecurity risks.The main content of the protocol are as follows:Import Conditions Prior to Arrival in Malaysia;Animal Health Certification Requirements for the Import of Live Fish into Malaysia;Import Conditions on Arrival in Malaysian Territory.This import protocol mandates that all importers adhere to the stipulated conditions prior to consignment arrival, meet all health certification standards, and comply with all procedures upon arrival in Malaysia, as outlined in Annex I.* Notes: According to Fisheries Act 1985, “Fish” means any aquatic animal or plant life, sedentary or not, and includes all species of finfish, crustacea, mollusca, aquatic mammals, or their eggs or spawn, fry, fingerling, spat or young, but does not include any species of otters, turtles or their eggs.