Guidelines for the processing of applications for exemptions in the fish farming sector due to the Coronavirus.

These Guidelines, issued by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority in accordance with Article 32 of the Norwegian Food Act, lay the base for granting exemptions from provisions laid down in or pursuant to Chapters 2 and 3 of the Norwegian Food Act, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They require that, as far as possible, regulatory requirements be followed and efforts to ensure fish health and fish welfare continue as normal.
In case there is a shortage of services provided by veterinarians or fisheries biologists, it may be necessary to prioritize between different types of requirements. In this case, resources shall be prioritized as indicated by the Guidelines.
Bussinesses requesting any of the exemptions indicated by the Guidelines shall document that (i) the regulations are not complied with due to lack of available resources, (ii) all reasonable attempts to comply with the regulations have been made; (iii) available measures have been implemented to compensate for any consequences of not following the relevevant rules.