The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has launched a new digital system to improve how seafood exports from Samoa are verified, certified, and tracked. The system is part of the Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity and Marketing (SAFPROM) Project, supported by the World Bank.
The Fisheries Competent Authority/Seafood Safety Verification Unit (CA/SSVU) is leading the implementation of the new CA/SSVU Information Management System (IMS). This platform replaces the paper-based processes previously used to manage seafood export compliance and introduces a centralised, secure system accessible to authorised staff across government and industry.
The IMS works by digitally capturing and managing all required data for seafood export operations – from processing facility records to product certifications and inspection reports. It connects the day-to-day tasks of licensing, inspection, verification, and documentation into a single traceable workflow. Authorised users can log in, update records, generate certificates, and track the movement of seafood batches through every stage of the export process.
Among its key functions, the IMS verifies seafood products before export to ensure they meet international standards, and handles the certification process, including food safety and export documentation. It also manages licensing for seafood processing establishments, including tracking renewals and compliance history. The system maintains detailed records of audits and inspections, helping regulators monitor operator performance and follow up on any issues. One of its most important features is full product traceability… enabling exported seafood to be traced back to its origin in Samoa. Additionally, the platform streamlines digital recordkeeping and simplifies reporting, allowing the Ministry to monitor trends and respond more effectively to the changing needs of export markets.
With growing global demand for transparency and food safety, the IMS positions Samoa to meet the requirements of key overseas markets such as New Zealand, the United States, and the European Union. The system is expected to reduce delays, minimise paperwork, and improve Samoa’s overall readiness for export.
The system was developed and delivered by TraSeable Solutions over a 40-day period. CA/SSVU staff and industry partners received practical training on using the new system, marking a shift toward smarter, more reliable data management.
The Ministry acknowledged the support of the World Bank through the SAFPROM Project, which funded the initiative.
