This document provides harmonized guidelines from the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) for traders and clearing agents engaged in regional and international trade of fish, aquaculture products, and related inputs within the East African Community (EAC). Anchored in the African Union Policy Framework and EAC Customs and Common Market Protocols, the guidelines aim to ensure efficient, safe, and sustainable trade, addressing challenges such as clearance delays, inconsistent national procedures, trader awareness, fish stock sustainability, food safety and security, disease risks, and misuse of aquaculture drugs. They detail pre-inspection, documentation, labeling, packaging, and traceability requirements, including provisions for live fish, fish feeds, aquaculture inputs, and consignment tracking through electronic systems. Border clearance procedures, comparative trade levies, and special rules for low-value and in-transit consignments are included. Implementation roles are allocated among LVFO, national fisheries authorities, research institutions, local governments, traders’ associations, clearing agents, civil society, and other relevant ministries, with responsibilities for regulation, inspection, licensing, coordination, awareness, and enforcement. The guidelines identify actions subject to penalties under national laws and urge EAC Partner States to integrate these standards into national regulations and operational work plans.
2019-03-01