Defra ‘There has been coverage regarding the EU’s change in approach to the import of live bivalve molluscs (LBMs). The coverage follows comments on this issue by the Environment Secretary to an evidence session of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.

The EU has notified us of their amended legislation on the import of LBMs from Class B waters for purification. They have now made changes to the relevant Export Health Certificate so that they are clearly banning the imports.

This leads us to conclude that our original interpretation of the Export Health Certificate was correct, alongside previous assurances provided by the European Commission, that the trade of aquatic animals for purification in the EU should have been allowed to continue.

A Defra spokesperson said:

The legislation was clear that the export of live bivalve molluscs from Class B waters for purification could continue after the transition period. Our correspondence with the Commission confirmed this.

The Commission have now amended their import rules, without scientific or technical justification. Effectively they have changed the law to justify their position in blocking the trade, causing impacts for businesses on both sides.

In 2019, correspondence between UK Chief Veterinary Officer  and the EU Commission, we had been given reassurance by the Commission that LBMs from aquaculture for purification could be exported using the ‘Model animal health certificate for the import into the European Union of aquaculture animals for farming, relaying, put and take fisheries and open ornamental facilities’ after the end of the Transition period.

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