Prime Minister's Decision No. 142 of 2009 regarding the regulations for organizing the sale and purchase of aquatic products by public auction and marketing.

This Resolution, consisting of 47 articles, aims to achieve the following (i) regulating the establishment and management of fish landing centers and auction yards; (ii) regulating and supervising the sale and purchase of aquatic life catches through public auction; (iii) regulating the role of producers, the Fisheries Union, and fisheries associations in fish production and marketing; (iv) contributing to the sustainable development of fisheries, rationalizing the exploitation of fish resources, and regulating their management; (v) ensuring the handling of aquatic products and monitoring and controlling their quality in accordance with health standards and conditions; (vi) organizing the collection of fisheries statistics to secure a comprehensive fisheries information system for the various activities of the fisheries sector; (vii) providing integrated services and using the necessary means and methods to secure and guarantee the display and handling of aquatic life in a manner that meets the requirements of national and international standards and specifications for consumption.
Chapter 2 governs public auctions for aquatic products, covering general provisions and auction site licensing. It requires all fishery products to be sold through Ministry-approved landing sites and auction yards, with licensed auctioneers, proper weighing, documentation, immediate payment, and fixed auction periods. Auction yard establishment must have prior Ministry approval and meet technical, sanitary, and operational standards, with final authorization by the Minister. Auctioneer licenses are issued for a limited term upon submission of documentation and financial guarantees under official supervision. Chapter 3 regulates State revenues, service fees, and the responsibilities of auctioneers, auction yard owners, and fishermen’s associations. It establishes (i) a 3% State levy and up to 5% service fees, allocated among the relevant actors, together with clear procedures for collection, documentation, and financial oversight; and (ii) key operational obligations, including facilitating supervision, requiring producers to market their catch through official auctions (with limited withdrawal rights), and ensuring that all transactions are formally documented and validated. Chapter 4 regulates markets and retail outlets, focusing on where and under what conditions these products may be sold, including (a) sanitary and technical requirements for markets and shops such as also location, infrastructure, utilities, hygiene, ventilation, and waste management, as well as specific requirements on flooring, walls, equipment, storage, temperature control, and display of products and prices, and (b) workforce requirements, mandating the use of protective uniforms and requiring workers to hold valid health certificates and undergo regular medical examinations to ensure food safety and public health. Chapter 5 governs oversight, inspection, and fisheries statistics, including rules on coastal control, quality inspection, handling of unfit products, and the definition of roles and qualifications for quality inspectors. The Chapter also regulates fisheries data collection, assigning responsibility to the Ministry and statistical staff for systematic recording and reporting of fishing activities and landings.