Crab, Kuchia exports hit snag

Bangladesh’s crab and kuchia (swamp eel) exports have significant potential in China and other Asian markets, but traders say delays in sample testing and health certification are preventing many businesses from shipping their products, limiting foreign currency earnings and threatening livelihoods
across the supply chain.

Exporters allege that a group of 15 to 16 traders dominates the sector, leaving many licensed businesses unable to operate.

They say repeated attempts to obtain the required approvals from the Department of Fisheries have failed, forcing some firms to suspend operations and others to export small quantities under another company’s licence.

The allegations have not been independently verified. Traders warn that the restrictions could undermine export growth and affect crab and kuchia collectors, wholesalers, transport workers and other people involved in the supply chain. The allegations have not been independently verified.

Probir, proprietor of B.C. Food, said he had exported crab and kuchia under another company’s licence until three or four months ago, but that arrangement had since ended.

“The entire sector is now in the hands of a syndicate,” he said. “A group is doing business by showing its power, while everyone else is deprived.”

Probir, who does not hold an export licence of his own, said the Department of Fisheries was no longer accepting samples from the firm through which he had previously shipped goods.

“If you are outside the syndicate, the department does not take samples,” he alleged.

Gopal, proprietor of Biswas Trading, said he had exported crab and kuchia two to three months ago but was now unable to obtain the certificate required to resume shipments.

“When we go to the Department of Fisheries, they say samples cannot be taken for now,” he said.

“They tell us to contact the minister if we have any complaint. We return from the Fisheries Building empty-handed. Some of us have even gone to the minister and got no solution.”

He questioned why traders with valid licences were being prevented from exporting, arguing that all eligible businesses should have equal access to the market.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said the ministry would examine complaints.

“If there are any such complaints, we will examine them and take action,” he said. “Exporters facing such obstacles should meet me directly.

Whoever’s samples are not being taken or who are not being given certificates, I will look into those complaints and take necessary action.”

A former leader of the Bangladesh Live and Chill Food Exporters Association, who requested anonymity, said many traders had been unable to export for six to seven months.

The association has more than 300 members, around 85 of whom have approval to export crab and kuchia to China. However, the former leader said only 15 to 16 were currently exporting.

“Everyone outside this syndicate is in bad shape,” he said, alleging that some traders were being excluded because of their political associations.

“Everyone who holds an export licence has the right to send crab and kuchia abroad, but in reality that is not happening,” he said.

Traders said sample approval was the first step in the export process. A Department of Fisheries inspector examines and codes a sample, after which the exporter must complete the necessary testing and certification before shipment.

Uttam, proprietor of Riju International, said each sample required a pay order of Tk 50,000. Exporters who had paid the fee and prepared their consignments risked losing their investment if their samples were not accepted.

Although he holds his own licence and could normally export five tonnes a month, he said he was now shipping only 200 to 300 kilograms through another firm.

“I have my own licence, yet I cannot send goods according to demand,” he said. “People linked to the big players are sending their goods. We cannot. We are somehow surviving on others’ licences, but for how long?”

Shaheen, proprietor of SNR Enterprise, said he was a small trader who managed to export limited quantities through other firms.

“Many cannot send at all,” he said. “Samples are not being taken from everyone, so they are suffering losses.”

Traders said they continued to bear the costs of warehouses, staff, procurement and transport despite stalled shipments.

The former association leader warned that some exporters could soon go bankrupt, although many had spent 15 to 20 years building their businesses and market connections.

Traders said crab was mainly sourced from Khulna, Satkhira and Chakaria in Chattogram, while kuchia came from Rajbari, Netrokona, Sylhet and Chandpur, among other areas.

They estimated that around 99 per cent of exports went to China, with additional demand in Thailand, Taiwan and Singapore. They said wider access to existing markets and efforts to develop new destinations could increase export earnings.

One trader said the sector could earn several thousand crore taka in foreign currency if the government ensured proper support and equal opportunities.
Some licensed exporters have called for an investigation into sample collection on 27 September.

They alleged that although they had submitted applications and documents and waited around two months, their samples had not been collected, while about 90 kuchia samples were taken from a particular packing firm on that date.

They demanded an inquiry into the sampling process and the role of Fisheries Building staff.

Allegations involving an official and two female inspectors could not be independently verified. No response from those named was available at the time of reporting.

Traders also alleged that some individuals were using political connections to pressure businesses and, in certain cases, lock premises to extort money.

They said minority traders were particularly vulnerable. The political organisations and individuals accused could not be reached for comment.

The exporters have called for an investigation into the legitimacy of the 90 samples collected on 27 September, cancellation of any related certificates if irregularities are established, and the collection and testing of samples from all eligible applicants under the rules.

Official information states that exports of fish and fish products to China are subject to inspection, sampling, testing and health certification.

The allegations require an impartial investigation. Transparent sampling and certification procedures could help ensure fair competition among eligible exporters and allow Bangladesh to realise the potential of its crab and kuchia trade.