Mandatory customs clearance of EEZ's catch also applicable to fish bait

In reply to the fishermen's request Russia's Federal Fisheries Agency has commented on the mandatory customs clearance of EEZ's catch (the measure has been introduced as of 1 January 2009) of aquatic species used as fish bait, reports www.fishnet-russia.com (www.fishnet.ru) with reference to Russia's Pollock Association.

In its message the Agency says that according to the Federal Law "On Fishery and Conservation of Aquatic Biological Resources..." fish catches from commercial operations in the inland marine waters of the Russian Federation, in the territorial sea of Russia, on the continental shelf of Russia and in the nation's EEZ as well as products made from them shall be delivered to the customs territory of Russia. Catches of aquatic bioresources harvested from commercial operations in other areas specified by Russia's Government and products made from them shall be delivered to the territory specified by the Government.

The procedure of importation of harvested bioresources and products made from them to the customs territory of the Russian Federation and their exportation from Russia's customs territory is regulated by the Government of the Russian Federation.

The current legislation does not stipulate for a special order for shipments of harvested aquatic bioresources to be used as bait. Thus, all the commercial catches, including those meant for bait shall be delivered to the territory of the Russian Federation.