About FIQD

About FIQD 

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About FIQD     

The Fish Inspection and Quality Control Division (FIQD) was established in October

1992. Previously, the office was a sub-Division under the Fishery Technological Development

Division since its founding in 1956. With the rapid expansion of seafood export of the country

resulting in significantly increased requirements for inspection and certification, the institute

 was the promoted to become one of the the most important Divisions under the Department

of Fisheries (DOF) to provide adequate services to private sector.

             The Division has gained trust from government inspection bodies of major importing

countries such as Australia, Japan, Canada, European Union (EU) etc. for its active

enforcement in controlling the performance the industry. Goods accompanied with a

certificate issued by the Department will be given a privilege to enter the countries without

detaining for further full examination.

             On May 19, 1994 the DOF was officially recognized by the EU as the "Competent

Authority" for Thailand. Fishery products produced by processors not approved by the DOF

and / or unaccompanied with certificates issued by the competent authority are not allowed

to enter and circulate in the EU member States. On April 9,1997 the Mutual Recognition

Agreement on the Equivalence of Fish and Fishery Products Inspection and Control Systems

between was signed between Thailand and Canada. FIQD and the Canadian Fish Inspection

Directorate of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are designated authorities to accomplish

the objectives of facilitating fishery trade between the two countries.

             FIQD not only focuses on certification and inspection of final products but also

places and emphasis on introducing various recommended fish quality control programs to be

implemented by the industry, for instance,Hazard Analysis Control Critical Point (HACCP),

Quality Management Program (QMP), ISO 9000 etc. Transfer of knowledge and information is

regularly provided for both private sector and government agencies concerns through

seminars, workshops and training. Specific programs such as shellfish and shrimp monitoring

programs have been established to ensure the provision of safe and wholesome seafood to

consumer. Research on improving of product quality,processing techniques and Analytical

methods are given priority for the benefit of the industry.

   FIQD is composed of 1 National Center located in Bangkok and 3 other Fish Inspection

and Research Centers located in Samutsakorn, Suratthani and Songkhla provinces. Songkhla is

located in the southern part of Thailand, 950 kilometers from Bangkok. Suratthani is located in

the upper part of southern Thailand, 644 kilometers from Bangkok. Samutsakorn is located

60 kilometers from Bangkok.

Each Center of FIQD is responsible for inspection and product analysis of the establishments

located in the designated provinces as follows:

• National Center (Bangkok): Bangkok, Samutprakarn, Chonburi, Rayong, Chantaburi, Trat and other provinces not responsible by the regional centers
• Samutsakorn Center: Samutsakorn, Samutsongkram, Nakorn Pathom, Karnchanaburi, Rachaburi, Petchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan
• Suratthani Center: Chumporn, Ranong, Suratthani, Krabi, Pang Nga, Phuket and Nakorn Si Thammarat
• Songkhla Center: Songkhla, Trang, Satun, Pattalung, Pattani and Narathiwas