The Mainland freshwater fish trade has resumed exports to Hong Kong, with the first batch expected to arrive in Hong Kong on December 16, the Health, Welfare & Food Bureau says.

The Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection & Quarantine Bureau has completed comprehensive inspection and quarantine work. The move aims to ensure that freshwater fish from registered farms comply with the established safety requirements.

The Guangdong and Hong Kong authorities have been maintaining close co-operation on the resumption of Mainland freshwater fish supply to Hong Kong, and working towards the common goal of aiding traders in the two places to resume normal operation.

Hong Kong traders should import freshwater fish from Mainland registered farms to ensure food safety. The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department and other law-enforcement departments will mount operations to deter freshwater fish not accompanied with health certificates from entering Hong Kong.

Legislation for the registration of all cultured fish importers is being prepared to boost public health  protection.