Bulgaria has agreed fully to liberalise trade in fish and fish products conducted with the European Union (EU), according to an announcement by the Bulgarian Agriculture Ministry.
 
From 1 May this year, trade in carp, trout, caviar and shrimps will be exempt from import and export duties. Trade in other fish and fish products is still subject to government and parliamentary approval however, and should be gradually liberalised by 2004.


The European Commission’s standing veterinary committee is also expected to make a decision on whether to waive a temporary ban on Bulgarian exports of fish and fish products to the EU by the end of this month. The ban was imposed early in 2000 following failure to meet tough EU hygienic requirements.
 
The liberalisation agreement was made as part of Bulgaria’s preparations to join the EU