Bangladesh is rolling out e-certification and laboratory management systems for simplifying the process of exporting, importing fish/shrimp and related products. This initiative is poised to enhance convenience and elevate the acceptability of Bangladeshi fish and seafood products in the global market.
The automation of e-certification and laboratory information management services related to fish/shrimp and animal product imports and exports was inaugurated by SM Rezaul Karim, the Fisheries and Livestock Minister, in Dhaka yesterday. This joint effort was organized by the Department of Fisheries and the Bangladesh Trade Facilitation Project, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
One of the most significant advantages of this digital transformation is that individuals and businesses will no longer need to make in-person visits to government offices to obtain the 20 licenses and product test certificates required for international fish and seafood trade.
The e-certification system offers swift access to a range of services, including licenses, health certificates, and additional health certificates as per the importing country’s requirements, import registration certificates, non-objection certificates, payment processing, sample collection, inspections, test reports, and certificate issuance. Importantly, this system will be directly linked to customs procedures, effectively eliminating time-consuming bottlenecks at ports, according to authorities.
Addressing the launch event, Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim underscored the significance of digitizing the e-certification and laboratory information management system within the Department of Fisheries. He described it as a pivotal step toward transforming Bangladesh into a technologically advanced nation. Furthermore, he emphasized that this automation would play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with the requirements of countries importing Bangladeshi fish and seafood products, positioning Bangladesh as a collaborative player on the global stage.
Kha Mahbubul Hoque, the Director General of the Department of Fisheries, highlighted that users of this new service will be able to monitor the status of various product inspections through a user-friendly dashboard, resulting in substantial reductions in both time and expenses associated with these processes. Additionally, he mentioned that the acceptance of “paper applications” for licensing will soon be phased out within the next one to two months.
Importers and exporters participating in the program expressed their enthusiasm for the automation, citing time and cost savings as key benefits. They also recognized that the ability to provide health certificates based on international standards would significantly enhance the global acceptability of their products, ultimately contributing to the growth of international trade in Bangladeshi fish and seafood.
Bangladesh’s introduction of e-certification and lab management systems marks a pivotal moment in the country’s quest to simplify and enhance its global fish and seafood trade. This technological advancement not only streamlines administrative processes but also aligns Bangladeshi products with international standards, opening up new opportunities for growth and collaboration in the global marketplace.
