Quality Control Division
Sri Lanka prioritizes stringent quality control measures for its fishery product exports to uphold international standards and ensure consumer safety. Governed by the provisions under fish and fishery product export regulations, these measures encompass certification, inspection, and adherence to hygiene and sanitary practices. Traceability systems and laboratory testing further bolster quality assurance, while capacity-building initiatives enhance the skills of industry personnel. By meeting market access requirements and maintaining product integrity, Sri Lanka aims to sustain its reputation as a reliable source of high-quality seafood on the global market. Quality Control Division of DFAR Is responsible for carrying out above activities and the details on main functions of the division is given below.
Aim
This division was established under the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources for the purpose of fulfilling the requirements laid down by the European Commission with regard to the fish products exported to the European market. The division has been operating since 04.01.1999.
Objective
Main objective of this division is to ensure the high quality and safety of fish products exported to the international market by Sri Lanka for human consumption under the implementation of Fish Products (Export) Regulations published in 1998.
Activities
To achieve the above objectives the following activities are being undertaken by the Quality Control Division.
Issue of licenses for fish processing establishments.
Authorizing the fish processing establishments to process fish for export.
Regular inspection of fish processing establishments.
Inspection of landing sites.
Inspection of fishing boats supplying fish for export.
Inspection of transportation of fish (raw materials) from landing sites to the processing plants.
Issue of health certificates for each consignment of fish/ fishery products for export.
Approve the laboratories issuing test reports for ensuring the safety of export fish products.
Carry out the official sampling program in order to test the samples obtained from relevant places, at the laboratories.
Taking appropriate action whenever necessary against the processing establishments, boats & landing sites not complying with the conditions laid down in the regulations.
Taking appropriate action against the complaints received with regard to the unhygienic health conditions of fish products to be exported.
Organizing and conducting awareness programs on the quality & hygiene of fish and fishery products as well as on fish handling for the crews in boats which are supplying fish for export.
Organizing and conducting awareness programs in order to control antibiotics and chemicals used for aquaculture products (shrimps) under the residue monitoring program of aquaculture products.
Approved fish processing establishments available at present
Fish processing establishments approved for the export of fish products to the countries of the European Commission-33.
Fish processing establishments approved for the export of fish products only to the countries not belonging to the European Commission-17.
Establishments approved for the fish packaging activities-17
Inspection and monitoring activities and implementing the official sampling program
This includes the implementation of the official sampling programme for the inspection of fish processing establishments, shrimp farms, laboratories, fisheries harbours and laboratory analysis.
Micro biological analysis: for water, ice and fish
Chemical analysis: Amount of histamine, heavy metals of fish
Implementation of the aquaculture chemical residue monitoring national program
Monitoring, inspection, obtaining samples and analysis as well as taking legal action pertaining to the implementation of aquaculture residue monitoring regulations declared in 2002 are done under this.
Parameters of conducting sampling tests
Antibiotics
Heavy metals
Pesticide residue
Malachite green
Obtaining water samples from prawn breeding centers
Conducting of awareness programmes
Conducting programmes to make the relevant parties aware of the quality and hygienic condition of fish and fish products is mainly done under this.
Taking legal action against the violation of regulations and carrying out investigations into the notifications made by importing countries
Quality Control Sub Office-Bandaranayke International Airport-Katunayake:
A quality Control Sub Office was established at the Bandaranayke International Airport-Katunayake on 13.01.2014.
Fish Catch Certificates are verified at this office in order to ensure the legality of fish products exported to the countries of the European Commission.
Inspection of fish stock imported for reexport is undertaken.
Fish export data base is maintained at this place.
Division Structure
