Black Sea Fish and Fish Products Now Available for Export to EU Market

The EU officially confirmed the decision to allow Black Sea fish and fish products into the European market. This decision was the result of dedicated national effort and the progress achieved in relation to the recognition of Georgia’s entire veterinary control system.

The next stage involves presenting the list of Georgian business operators recognized by the European Commission, which will allow business operators to export Black Sea fish and fish products to EU countries.

In 2014, the Georgian side submitted an application to the European Commission with the purpose of adding Georgia to the official list of third countries. On this basis, with the purpose of supervising the food safety state control system as well as performing on-site audit of fish and fish products meant for EU export, the auditor inspectors of the Food and Veterinary Office at the Directorate General Health and Food Safety visited Georgia.

The Mission examined Georgia’s Food Safety Law, state control procedures and results from the National Food Agency. The Mission then provided relevant recommendations, according to which the Ministry of Agriculture developed an action plan and carried out activities, including the approximation of Georgian legislation with the relevant EU legislation.

Based on implemented activities, Georgia was added to the list of third countries from which the EU permits import of Black Sea fish and fish products for human consumption. Fish from the Black Sea is the third Georgian product of animal origin (after wool and honey) that will enter the EU market.