Karachi fish harbour set to face EU inspection next month
Business
Hygiene and sanitation improvements crucial to avoid any export bans
(Web Desk) - The Karachi Fish Harbour is undergoing a significant overhaul in preparation for an upcoming audit by the European Union (EU) in the first week of April.
The audit, conducted by the European Commission’s Director for Health and Food, Audits and Analysis, will assess the facilities of fishery exporters shipping products to EU countries.
The Marine Fisheries Department (MFD) has informed authorities that the evaluation will focus on compliance with European Commission regulations, which mandate strict assessments at every stage of the supply chain—from fishing boats and landing sites to processing and storage facilities.
In November 2024 and January 2025, the MFD issued letters to stakeholders, expressing dissatisfaction over poor sanitation conditions at Karachi Fish Harbour, including serious deficiencies at landing sites and auction halls. To address these concerns, the MFD instructed the Karachi Fish Harbour Authority (KFHA) and the Fishermen Cooperative Society Limited (FCSL) to improve facilities, including fishing boats and auction areas that handle fishery products intended for EU exports.
The department has stressed that hygiene and sanitation improvements are crucial to avoiding any potential export bans. Essential measures such as proper handwashing stations, waste disposal facilities, and the supply of potable ice from approved plants are being enforced.
Mohammad Zafar Iqbal Kundi, chairman of the Pakistan Fishery Exporters Association (PFEA), assured that exporters are well-prepared for the EU audit. “Our processing units and exporters are ready,” he said, adding that compliance efforts are being expedited ahead of Eidul Fitr.
Currently, only four exporters in Pakistan are permitted to export fishery products to the EU. However, three additional exporters have submitted applications for approval. According to Kundi, the upcoming audit will review both the already approved units and those seeking approval.
More exporters have also submitted requests to the MFD, which will be forwarded to the EU if the current applications are approved.
“If we can increase the number of exporters to 12, Pakistan has the potential to earn $200-300 million annually from exports to EU countries,” Kundi projected.
Zahid Khemtio, Managing Director of the KFHA, emphasised that multiple government agencies are working together to meet EU standards.
