This licence authorizes the persons operating processing plants as well as factory vessels to export seafood from The Bahamas.  Refer to The Food (Seafood Processing and Inspection Regulations, 2002)

Eligibility

• Must be in possession of a factory vessel licence or a processing plant licence.

Process

For a New licence.

1. Complete and submit relevant application form.
2. Submit pre-requisite documentation.
3. Undergo inspection by the Department of Marine Resources.
4. Pay relevant fee upon approval.

For a Renewal licence.

The applicant must indicate and submit any revised documentation if there have been changes to their previously submitted documentation or any changes to the products for export.

For the Family Islands, this service is completed through the Department of Marine Resources in the Family Islands. The applications will be processed and approved at the Department of Marine Resources in New Providence.

This service can be accessed at the following locations:

New Providence

Department of Marine Resources 
East Bay Street, P.O. Box N-3028, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas 
Tel. (242) 393-1777 
Fax. (242) 393-0238 
E-mail: fisheries@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Application Form(s)

Application for A Licence to Import or Export Seafood

Supporting Documents

1. Must be in possession of a factory vessel licence or processing plant licence.
2. Hazard analysis documentation ( specify product).
3. HACCP Plan documentation ( specify product).
4. Must have at least 2 HACCP certified persons employed by the plant or facility.

Turn-around time

Five working days, once application and pre-requisite documents are complete, and the facility meets the documented standards.

Deadline

The licence is valid for the product season: Lobster (August 1st to March 31st) Stone crab (October 16th to May 31st) Scale Fish (January 1st to December 31st )

Related Fee(s)

BS$500.00 per product