(VOVwortld) – A Farm Bill regarding a catfish monitoring program in the US was announced on December 2 and will take effect on March 1, 2016. Under the bill, imports of Vietnamese Tra and Basa fish will be allowed if there is evidence of breeding techniques similar to those in the US.

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) is preparing necessary procedures to prevent exports to the US from being obstructed. VASEP is cooperating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide Vietnamese businesses with necessary assistance. VASEP has advised Vietnamese Tra and Basa fish farms to strictly follow breeding regulations to avoid chemical and antibiotic residues. VASEP Secretary General Truong Dinh Hoe said: “Breeders should be careful when buying animal feed on the market. Strict control of the breeding process will avoid violations of rules on certificates of origin and the use of chemicals in breeding, which could make sales more difficult.”