This Ordinance prohibits the operation of a fish processing and packing plant without a license. It stipulates that the processing of fish must take place in accordance with
hygienic rules and conditions. The Ordinance is basically intended to develop quality improvement to promote export trade. That is why it prohibits the export of fish and
fishery products without a health certificate. The Department of Fisheries (DoF) is vested with the overall responsibility for fish inspection and quality
control. Several testing laboratories are maintained by the Department to certify
the quality of exportable fish and fishery products.