Egypt: Extends Shelf Life of Imported Frozen Fish
In a significant development for the Dutch pelagic fish industry, the Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry has submitted an addendum to the WTO, extending the shelf life of frozen fish to 10 months, effective July 1, 2024. This development is expected to facilitate exports of frozen fish from the Netherlands to Egypt, a key market for Dutch exporters. The decree is valid for six months and expires on December 31, 2024
The Netherlands is a major player in the global fish export market, with over 600,000 tons of frozen fish worth EUR 991 million exported in 2022. Small pelagic fish, including catches from other EU and UK flagged vessels, account for a significant portion of these exports. Egypt is a key destination for Dutch frozen fish, accounting for between 8% and 14% of exports by volume and 6% and 11% by value over the period 2019 to 2022.
The extension of the shelf life of frozen fish in Egypt is a welcome development for Dutch pelagic fish companies, which have been facing challenges in the last 2 years due to a shortage of foreign currency in Egypt. This shortage led to shipments being held up in Egyptian ports for longer periods, creating a narrow market window for Dutch exporters. The demand for extending the shelf life of pelagic fish in Egypt was driven by several countries, which sought to explore opportunities to continue exporting to this important market. A fact-finding study conducted by the agriculture team of the Netherlands embassy in Egypt paved the way for further studies, ultimately supporting National Food Safety Authority (NFSA's) decision to extend the shelf life of frozen fish.
The new decree, which is valid for six months until December 31, 2024, brings Egypt's regulations more in line with those of other major import markets for Dutch frozen fish. In these markets, either no mandatory shelf-life requirements are applied, or a shelf life of 18 to 24 months is specified. The extension of the shelf life in Egypt is expected to create a more level playing field for Dutch exporters, enabling them to compete more effectively in this important market. This development is a significant boost for the Dutch pelagic fish industry, which can now look forward to increased exports to Egypt and a more stable market environment. With the NFSA's decision, Dutch exporters can capitalize on the growing demand for frozen fish in Egypt, while also exploring opportunities to expand their market share in this region.
The agriculture team of the Embassy stands ready to help any Dutch company interested to do business with Egypt. For more information, you can contact: KAI-LNV@minbuza.nl