Fish Inspection Act, 2000 (SB No. 107).

This Act governs the production, trade, import and export of fish products in Suriname (including aquaculture) and covers the food chain from catch and production to export and sale. According to the Act, any kind of fish product must be inspected before being sold. The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries is the responsible authority under the Act, although in some cases the Minister of Health needs to be consulted. Inspection and control are carried out by quality managers and fisheries inspectors. The investigation of offences is carried out by special officers, appointed by the Minister. According to the Act, a Fish Inspection Institute shall be established. It shall be a legal entity according responsible for the quality inspection of fish products. Its tasks shall be the following: development of quality standards; inspection and control with respect to the hygiene situation on board of fishing vessels, landing sites and other establishments including fish farms, production process, water quality, hygiene requirements of personnel and packing, labelling, storage and transport; registering of landing sites and fish farms and the recognition of other establishments; issuance of inspection and health certificates; instruction and education of personnel; monitoring. In case of non-compliance with the provisions of the Act, the Institute is authorized to apply specified measures of enforcement. By state Ordinance and Ministerial Order, detailed rules shall be elaborated on a wide variety of issues concerning the production, trade, import and export of fish and fish products.