DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD  
  DUS DARS  1107 
First Edition  
2023 -mm-dd 
 
 Reference number  
DUS DARS  1107: 2023 
© UNBS 2023  
   
Freshwater aquatic animal production farms — Good aquaculture 
practices  
 
 DUS DARS 1107 : 2023  
ii                © UNBS  2023  - All rights reserved  
 Compliance with this standard does not, of itself confer immunity from legal obligations  
A Uganda  Standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of a contract. Users are 
responsible for its correct application  
© UNBS 2023 
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without prior written 
permission from UNBS.  
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to  
The Executive Director  
Uganda  National Bureau of Standards  
P.O. Box 6329  
Kampala  
Uganda  
Tel: +256 41 7 333 250/1/2  
Fax: +256 41 4 286 123  
E-mail: info@unbs.go.ug  
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  
 DUS DARS 1107 : 2023  
© UNBS  2023  - All rights reserved                 iii National foreword  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and 
Cooperatives established under Cap 327, of the Laws of Uganda, as amended.  UNBS is mandated to co -
ordinate the elaboration of standards and is  
(a) a member o f International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the National Enquiry Point on TBT Agreement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  
The work of preparing Ugand a Standards is carried out through Technical Committees. A Technical Committee 
is established to deliberate on standards in a given field or area and consists of key stakeholders including 
government, academia, consumer groups, private sector and other int erested parties.  
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the comments before recommending the draft standards 
for approval and declaration a s Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council.  
This Draft Uganda Standard, DUS DARS  1107 :2023 , Freshwater aquatic animal production farms — Good 
aquaculture practices , is identical with and has been reproduced from a  Draft  African  Standard,  DARS 
1107 :2023 , Freshwater aquatic animal production farms — Good aquaculture practices , and is being proposed 
for adoption as a Uganda Standard.  
The committee responsible for this document is Technical Committee UNBS/ TC 211, Fish and fishery products . 
Wherever the words, “ African  Standard " appear, they should be replaced by "Uganda Standard."  AFRICAN 
STANDARD  DARS  
1107  
2nd Edition  2023 
 
 Reference No. DARS 1107 :2023(E) 
ICS 65.150  
 
 
© ARSO 20 23 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Freshwater aquatic animal production farms — Good aquaculture 
practices  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
ii © ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved   
Table of contents  
 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  1 
4 Good  aquaculture practices for freshwater aquatic animal farm  ................................ ....................  2 
4.1 Site ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  2 
4.2 Pond  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 2 
4.3 Cage  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 2 
5 General farm management  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  3 
5.1 Pond  ................................ ................................ .......................  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
5.2 Recom mended  practices  ................................ .......................  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
6 Cage  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  5 
7 Size of aquatic ani mal fry and stocking density  ................................ ................................ .............  5 
8 Inputs  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  6 
8.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 6 
8.2 Selection of good quality fry ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 6 
9 Health management for aquatic animals  ................................ ................................ ........................  7 
9.1 Pond  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 7 
9.2 Cage  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 8 
10 Farm sanitation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  9 
10.1 Pond  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 9 
10.2 Cage  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 9 
11 Harvest and post -harvest practices  ................................ ................................ ................................  9 
12 Record keeping  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  11 
Annex A (normative)  Requirements and inspection methods  ................................ ..............................  12 
Acknowledgment and appreciation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 18 
  DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  iii Foreword  
 
The African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) is an African intergovernmental organization 
established by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Organization of 
African Unity (AU) in 1977. One of the fundamental mandates of  ARSO is to develop and harmonize 
African Standards (ARS) for the purpose of enhancing Africa’s internal trading capacity, increase 
Africa’s product and service competitiveness globally and uplift the welfare of African communities. The 
work of preparing A frican Standards is normally carried out through ARSO technical committees. Each 
Member State interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has the 
right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, Regio nal Economic Communities 
(RECs), governmental and non -governmental organizations, in liaison with ARSO, also take part in the 
work.  
 
ARSO Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.  
 
The main task of techni cal committees is to prepare ARSO Standards. Draft ARSO Standards adopted 
by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an ARSO 
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.  
 
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of 
patent rights. ARSO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.  
 
This African Standard was prepared by the ARSO Technical  Committee on  Fish, fisheries and 
aquaculture  (ARSO/TC 03 ). 
 
This African Standard is a technical revision of the earlier ARS 1107:2018 , (Freshwater aquatic animal 
production farms — Good aquaculture practices ) which is hereby superseded and cancelled  
 
 
 
 
 
© African Organisation for Standardisation 20 23 — All rights reserved* 
 
ARSO Central Secretariat  
International House 3rd Floor  
P. O. Box 57363 — 00200 City Square  
NAIROBI, KENYA  
 
Tel. +254 -20-2224561, +254 -20-3311641, +254 -20-3311608  
 
E-mail: arso@arso -oran.org  
Web: www.arso -oran.org  
  
                                                 
* © 20 22 ARSO — All rights of exploitation reserved worldwide for African Member States’ NSBs.  DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
iv © ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  Copyright notice  
 
This ARSO document is copyright -protected by ARSO. While the reproduction of this document 
by participants in the ARSO standards development process is permitted without prior permission 
from ARSO, neither this document nor any extract from it may be reproduced, stored or 
transmitted in any form for any other purpose without prior written permissi on from ARSO.  
 
Requests for permission to reproduce this document for the purpose of selling it should be 
addressed as shown below or to ARSO’s member body in the country of the requester:  
 
 
© African Organisation for Standardisation  2022  — All rights reserved  
 
ARSO Central Secretariat  
International House 3rd Floor  
P.O. Box 57363 — 00200 City Square  
NAIROBI, KENYA  
 
Tel: +254 -20-2224561, +254 -20-3311641, +254 -20-3311608  
 
 
E-mail: arso@arso -oran.org  
Web: www.arso -oran.org  
 
Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement. 
Violators may be prosecuted.  
 
 
 
 
 DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  1  
Freshwater aquatic animal production farms — Good aquaculture 
practices  
 
 
1 Scope  
 
This African standard applies to good aquaculture practices (GAP) at all stages in freshwater aquatic 
animal culture for shellfish, finfish, amphibians and reptiles . in order to produce products of good quality 
and safe for human consumption.  
 
2 Normative references  
 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document (including any amendments) applies.  
 
CAC/RCP 52, Code of practice for fish and fishery products  
 
 
 
3 Terms and d efinitions  
 
For the purpose s of this standard , the following terms and definition s apply . 
 
3.1 
freshwater aquatic animal  
animals living entirely or most of the time in freshwater or most of the life -cycle living in freshwater  
including river, canal, swamp reservoir , lake  
 
3.2 
freshwater aquatic animal farm  
site for freshwater aquatic animal farm consisting of ponds, cages,  feed preparation area, buildings and 
facilities for sanitation services  
 
3.3 
pond  
man-made water storage for freshwater aquaculture such as earthen pond, cement pond, canvas pond 
and plastic pond  
 
3.4 
cage  
container enclosed on all sides and bottom by mesh materials that permit free exchange with 
surrounding water  
 
3.5 
veterinary drug  
any substance applied or administered to any food -producing animal, whether used for therapeutic, 
prophylactic, or diagnostic purposes or for modification of physiological  functions or behaviour  
 
3.6 
residues of veterinary drugs  
veterinary drugs as in 3.5 including parent drug, metabolites and associated impurities in the animal 
tissue, produce and products of animal which are used for human food  
AFRICAN STANDARD  DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
2 © ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved   
3.7  
aquaculture  
farming of aquatic organisms including  shellfish,  finfish, molluscs , amphibians, reptiles  
 
3.8 
stocking density  
amount of aquatic animal farms  stocked per unit of area or volume   
 
3.9 
withdrawal time  
period of time necessary between the last administration of a  veterinary drug to aquatic animal farms , 
or exposure of these animals to a veterinary drug, and harvesting them to ensure that the concentration 
of the veterinary drug in their edible flesh intended for human consumption, complies with the maximum 
permitt ed residue limits  
 
4 Good aquaculture practices for freshwater aquatic animal farm  
 
,  
 
For the practical application of the concept of good aquaculture practices and operation procedures , 
the following should be considered:  
4.1 Site 
 
Site is the first priority  to be considered.  The location of freshwater aquatic animal farm sh ould comply 
with relevant laws and meet the technical requirements in order to obtain quality products.  
 
4.2 Pond  
 
4.2.1  Farm registration is required by contacting the designated  competent authority . The registered 
information will be useful for relevant government agencies to locate the farm and to provide assistance 
to the farmers. Farmers should provide  legal documents on land use rights, or lease contract for farm 
registration . 
 
4.2.2  The farm shall be kept away from polluted sources, such as industrial factories and waste from 
communities. Soil and water samples shall be taken for analysis to assess the suspected risk factors 
from polluted sources.  An appropriate  method for p reventing the impact from pollution can be applied  
using technology . In case farm is located in flooding area s, protection shall be provided  to avoid damage  
and contamination.  
 
4.2.3  A good design of water inlet and outlet system shall be provided in order  to prevent cross 
contamination among ponds and between inside and outside of farm s. In addition, such good system s 
can save energy and cost of water pumping in and out of the farm as well as facilitate t farm 
management.  
 
4.2.4  Farm site shall be convenie ntly accessed such as road for cars, river or canal for boats to 
facilitate the transport of fry, feed and inputs. Accessibility is essential for cost -effective production and 
maintaining freshness of products to markets or processing plants  and for visitors and inspectors .. 
 
4.2.5  Farm site shall have essential basic infrastructures according to farm area condition for 
convenience of farm management such as electricity for water pump and aerator, or diesel engine water 
pump, tap, or underground water, or rain water or clean water that fits for consumption.  
 
4.2.6  Earthen Pond  shall be impervious in order to reduce the leakage during the culturing period. 
Soil shall have appropriate properties such that depth, shall be considered during site selection or be  
able to be improved for safe aquaculture practices.  
 
4.3 Cage  
 DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  3 4.3.1  Farmers shall register their farms with the competent authority . The registration will be 
necessary for official and related authority for identification of location and facilitation of government 
support.  
 
4.3.2  Cage shall be located in the area where water source is of good quality, suitable, sufficient and 
of good c irculation. Water quality suitable for freshwater aquaculture shall have pH 6.5 - 8 and dissolved 
oxygen not less than 4 mg  / L 
 
4.3.3  In general, cage site shall be located away from polluted sources. In case the cage is subjected 
to tide or upstream or d ownstream area, farmer shall acquire information demonstrating the cage is not 
affected by such pollution. For instance, information of pesticide analyses shall be obtained if there is 
wastewater discharging from upstream paddy field, or information of Biological Oxygen  Demand (BOD) 
analyses if there is factory (such as sugar factory, paper and pulp factory, or rice mill) located upstream.  
 
4.3.4  Cage site shall be conveniently accessed such as road for cars, river or canal for boats to 
facilitate the trans port of fry, feed and inputs. This convenience is essential for cost -effective production 
and for maintaining freshness of products to markets or processing plants. It is also convenient for 
visitors and inspectors to visit the farm.  
 
4.3.5  Cage shall have  necessary basic infrastructures according to farm area condition for 
convenience of farm management such as electricity for water pump, aerator, or diesel engine water 
pump, tap, or underground water, or rain water or clean water that fits for consumption . 
 
4.3.6   Authorization from the competent authority shall be obtained so that the cages are arranged 
neatly so as not to have a negative impact on the water source surrounding the cages.  
 
4.3.7   Besides the concern of the environment, placement of cages s hall be in the area where it will 
not obstruct the water flow and the water passage; otherwise,  the cages may reduce the flow speed of 
water or cause social problems and water transportation. In addition, area for cage culture shall be 
opened, no strong fl ow of water or wind nor crowed by aquatic plants which hinder water flow through 
the cage.  
 
5 General farm management  
 
Farm management is a plan to prepare for rearing which is vital for successful aquaculture. If farmers 
can apply the practices well, suitable to the site and season, there will be only few problems on daily 
basis.  
The recom mended  practices for earthen pon d aquaculture are as follows:  
 
 
5. 1 Pond preparation  
 
Freshwater  aquatic  animal farm requires  good  preparation.  In particular,  the old culture  pond may have  
the deca yed bottom  where  disease  and hydrogen  sulphide  (H2S) are accumulated. This  may 
contribute to negative  impact on the health of  aquatic animal . Therefore, preparation of a new and old 
pond sh ould  be done as follows:  
 
 
5. 1.1 New Pond  
 
Problem  involving  acidic  soil can be found  in new pond.  It can be observed  by the orange -red rust  or 
yellow  colour  of soil in the pond.  In general,  this soil indicates  pH 2 - 3 and may not be  suitable  for 
aquatic  farming because  the acidic soil will result in acidic  water.  In such case, it  is recommended  to fill 
water  into the pond  to cover  soil surface  for approximately  seven  days, and  then drain water  and 
repeat  this until the pH of the soil reaches  6.5 - 8.5. Liming can also  be used  to adjust  pH of the 
soil by scattering  1250  kg - 1900 kg of lime per hectare  around  the area.  However,  if there  is not 
enough  water  supply,  amount of lime shall be increased  to 2500 – 3125  kg per hectare  until the pH is 
adjusted as required.  Also,  chicken  or cow manure,  dried  or deco mposed for 60 days, can be used.  
 
5..1.2  Old Pond  DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
4 © ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved   
After  each  harvest,  sludge at the bottom of  pond  shall be taken  out prior to pond drying process. This 
sludge shall not be left on the dike or drained directly to the public water resource. It shall be collected 
in a sludge pond or  ploughed  with a  tractor approxi mately two to three ti mes to incorporate  oxygen  into 
the soil and then dried  for two weeks  before  the next farming . The dike  shall be adjusted  to be ready  
for use. If  there  is waterlogging  at the bottom of  the pond where  some other  aquatic  animals remain, 
sapon in at the concentration  of 15 mg/l - 25 mg/l depending  on the salinity  of water,  or 1 g of 100 
% rotenone  solution  per 1 m3 of water  in culture  pond,  or 20 g of 5 % rotenone  solution  per 1 m3 
of water  in culture  pond  shall be diluted and splashed into the pond (rotenone is toxic to fish and 
insects). Li ming shall be used to disinfect and i mprove quality of  the bottom  of the pond thereafter.  
 
5.1. Water  preparation  
 
Due to the fact that freshwa ter aquatic  animal farming technique  is differed  among species, water 
preparation techniques are different . However, the principles are the sa me. After  pond  preparation, 
water  shall be  pumped into the pond  to 30 cm - 50 cm in  depth,  filtered with  double  layers  of green  
cloth  filter net (mesh size of 24 - 26 meshes/i nch) to prevent predators and/or other species from 
entering in to the pond.  
 
For the first preparation,  the dried  or 60-day fe rmented  compost at the rate of 625-950 kg/ha or liquid 
organic fertilizer at the rate of 625 - 1250  l/ha shall be spread around the pond and left for 7 - 8 
days until the water turn green.  This produces natural feeds in ter ms of phyto plankton  and zooplank ton. 
(Be careful when using liquid organic fertilizer  as it will cause  rapid  reduction  of dissolved  oxygen  
in the water.  This could  lower  the dissolved oxygen  value  in the pond  and cause death  of aquatic 
animals in very short ti me). Subsequently, the pond shall be filled with water up to 1.0 m to 1.2 m depth. 
If possible, dissolved oxygen value shall be analyzed prior to fry stocking stage.  
 
During  culturing  period,  natural  feed shall be produced  at all times in order  to save  the cost of feed  as 
well as to balance  the ecosystem in  the pond.  This can be done  by applying  the principle of “s mall 
amount but high frequency”  of the dried or 60 -day fer mented compost at the rate of 150 - 300 
kg/ha/month or liquid organic fertilizer  at the rate of 62.5 - 125 lit/ha/month. (For this period, the  
dissolved  liquid organic fertilizer solution  shall be spread  around the pond and used with care as 
it could cause rapid reduction of dissolved oxygen in the water. This could harm aquatic ani mals). 
Moreover,  farmer shall not overfeed during this period  because  the leftover feed will be the major cause 
of water pollution.   
 
5..1.4 Water quality for culture pond  
 
Water quality suitable for culture pond shall be as follows:  
 
a) pH of 6.5 - 8.5; 
 
b) BOD not exceed 20 mg/l; 
 
c) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) not less than 3 mg/l; 
 
d) NH3-N not exceed 1.1 mg/l; and  
 
e) alkali nity not less than 50 mg/l. 
 
5.2.2 Procedures for resolving low level of dissolved oxygen  
 
Level  of dissolved  oxygen  in the pond  shall not be less than 3 mg/l. However,  the lowest level  of 
dissolved  oxygen in water  of the pond  will commonly  occur  in early  morning. The far mer shall 
regularly  check  dissolved  oxygen or  observe  whether  there  are numbers  of aquatic  animals swimming 
at the surface.  In such case,  aerator  shall be operated  to increa se dissolved  oxygen  or exchange  water  
in the pond.  In addition,  temporarily  stop feeding  or decrease the a mount of feed shall be practiced.  
 
5.2.3 Water  exchange  
 DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  5 In cases where water quality is not suitable and it is necessary to exchange or refill water from outside 
the farm, water shall be filtered with double layers of green cloth filter net (mesh size of 24 - 26 
meshes/inch) to protect larvae from predators and from nature. Effluent from water exchange or during 
harvest shall not be discharged directly to the public water resources. In case effluent is discharged 
directly to the public water resources, its parameters shall meet the specification required by laws.  
 
5.2.4 Farm layout  
 
This shall be made available for transport of aquatic animal fry, delivery of inputs, feed, being visited by 
visitors, fishery extension  officers, farm inspection officers, harvest and transport of aquatic produce by 
the collectors who distribute the produce. Moreover, farmer shall have farm layout for management and 
planning purposes.  
 
5.2.5 Effluent treatment  
 
Effluent shall be treated p rior to disch arge whereby  the effluent para meters shall meet s pecific ations 
required by  national Laws  and regulations.  
 
 
5.2.6 Technical  meetings  or training  programs   
 
Technical  meetings  or training  programs on  farm manag ement, use of production inputs , 
harvesting , laws and regulation s relevant to freshwater aquatic ani mals far ming shall be attended to 
enhance and develop knowl edge. 
 
6 Cage  
 
Farmers shall ensure that their farm practices follow the laws or regulations of freshwater aquatic animal 
cage approved by the competent authority or responsible agency .  
 
6.1 Cage culture  
 
The following shall be considered in freshwater a quatic cage culture: 
 
(i) Cage location: This shall not obstruct water transport. Setting the cage along the banks is 
recommended for culturing in canal.  In a larger area, the size of cage location can be expanded 
as appropriate but it shall not obstruct water traffic.  
(ii) Cage inter val: This shall be at least 50 cm to ease water flow through the cage, and minimize 
waste accumulation at the bottom of the cage. Furthermore, the depth of the cage shall not be 
deeper than one metre from the bottom even in the driest season.  
 
6.2 Size of aquatic ani mal fry and stocking density  
 
Size of the aquatic animals for stocking varies with the mesh size of the cage, while stocking density 
depends on the size of the aquatic animals. In addition, season is also vital to stocking density. In case 
of the winter season, the stocking density shall be lower than other seasons because aquatic animals 
are weaker and more susceptibility to disease. Conditions of the water source are other important 
factors for stocking density. For example, stocking density in still water such as dam or reservoir shall 
be less than in the river, which has more suitable flow speed and better quality of water.  
 
6.2.3  Regular cleaning of the cage shall be done, especially for the cage located in the area of still 
water which can  accumulate waste and later cause a problem of water pollution.  
 
6.2.4   In case of low dissolved oxygen in the water, aeration is recommended. This can also be done 
by exchange of water through the cage by aerat ion by any appropriate means.  
 
6.2.5  Feeding can be done either by sowing or using feed container. The amount of feed and number 
of meals in a day shall be suitable for species and age of each aquatic animal. Farmers can start feeding 
with small amount at several spots and observe the feeding  behavio ur. For instance, if aquatic animals 
snatch feed which is thrown into the pond, it can be interpreted that the feed are insufficient. In this DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
6 © ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  case, new feeding spots shall be increased. If the aquatic animals do not seem to be interested in the 
feed, farme rs shall stop feeding and periodic cleaning of the pond to remove the leftover feed from the 
pond before it sinks to the bottom because this would easily cause the decay at the bottom of the cage 
or pond.  
 
6.2.6  Cage layout shall be made suitable for trans port of aquatic animal fry, delivery of inputs, feed, 
being visited by visitors, fishery extension officers, farm inspection officers, harvest and transport of 
aquatic produce by the collectors who distribute the produce. Moreover, farmer shall have farm l ayout 
for management and planning purposes.  
 
6.2.7  The number of cages shall not exceed the capability of the water source in order to prevent the 
negative impact and preserve the sustainability of the environment. The total number of cages shall not 
excee d that is permitted by the Department of Fisheries.  
 
6.2.8  Technical meeting s or training program mes on farm management, use of production 
inputs ,harvesting , laws and regulation relevant to freshwater aquatic animals farming shall be provided 
to enhance and develop knowledge of farmers and other relevant workers in applying good aquaculture 
practices correctly and appropriately.  
 
6.2.9  Farmers shall manage the  area, buildings  and cagesaccording to good hygienic practices both 
inside and outside the cage. Equipment shall be cleaned and kept orderly.  
 
7 Inputs  
 
7.1 General  
 
There are varieties of inputs for aquatic animal farming such as fry, feed, feed supplemen t, vitamins, 
probiotic, veterinary drugs, liming, salt and chemicals. However, selection of the inputs depends upon 
age and size of the aquatic animal, stocking density, methods of aquaculture and harvest size. 
Requirements for input selection are given in 7.2. 
 
7.2 Selection of good quality fry  
 
 
 Good quality and healthy fry, which can better adapt to the environment,  
 Fry from the brood stock with good growth rate  
 Relevant documents  for traceability .  
 Appropriate stocking density of the fry shall be consi dered as over stocking density will cause 
stress and sickness easily, which will create problems and slow growth.  
 
7.2.1 Farmer shall request official Fry Movement Document (FMD) from hatchery in order to ensure 
product quality and traceability.  
 
7.2.2 Whenusing manufactured inputs such as feed, feed supplements, and vitamins purchased from 
factory or distributor, they shall be registered products with the competent authority and label specified 
nutrition values, production and expiry dates. Before use, far mer shall observe the label to ensure that 
the feed is in good condition. There shall not be laceration of the package, excessive moisture, mould, 
and the product shall be within the expiry date to ensure good quality of feed.  
 
7.2.3 Inputs excluding feeds, feed supplements, vitamins, minerals, and other relevant feedstuffs 
shall be free from prohibited veterinary drugs and chemical residues such as nitrofuran, 
chloramphenical, and malachite green. For example , colouring solution for ad justing water quality shall 
not contain malachite green; or fine rice bran shall not contain nitrofuran, or chloramphenic ol.  
 
7.2.4 In case of feed prepared on farm, raw materials such as fish meal, soybean meal, rice bran, 
and broken milled rice shall be  free from prohibited veterinary drugs and chemicals in order to avoid 
residues of veterinary drugs and chemicals in the fish tissues.  
 
7.2.5 Tools and equipment for preparing feed on farm shall be clean and hygienic. For instance, prior 
to or after using those tools and equipment they shall be clean and dried up, maintained to be ready for DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  7 use and kept orderly. In addition, preparing feed on farm shall be hygienic, clean, and safe for the 
aquatic animals and consumers. For instance, ingredients and feeds s hall be placed on clean 
containers, not to contact directly to the ground or the processing floor to protect them from germs and 
hazardous substances residues. Attention shall be paid to prevent contamination from cockroaches, 
flies, birds, rats, dogs and cats during the feed preparation process  
 
7.2.6 Feed prepared on farm shall have appropriate quality to meet the nutrient requirements of 
aquatic animals. Low quality feed will cause slow growth rate which will require longer culturing period, 
high cost of  production, and undersized aquatic animal. These will certainly cause low price of the 
product.  
 
8.0 Storage of inputs  
 
8.1Inputs shall be properly and orderly stored, and clearly separated and defined in a hygienic and safe 
condition in the warehouse and  designated area, away from heat, moisture, sunlight, rain, strong wind, 
with good ventilation system.  
 
8.2 T he warehouse shall be protected from disease carriers of aquatic animals and human such as 
rats, cockroaches, flies, birds, dogs, and cats etc.  
 
8.3 The inputs shall be placed on a pallet, not contact the ground, to prevent from deterioration. For 
example, feed bag shall be kept in a warehouse and separated from other inputs on a pallet 
approximately 10 cm above the floor and away from the wall to protect moisture causing the feed to be 
easily mouldy.  
 
8.4 Veterinary drugs shall be stored in accordance with the instruction specified in the label or attached 
document. Prescribed veterinary drugs shall be kept separately from others. Veterinary drugs  and 
chemicals for different aquatic animals shall be kept orderly in groups, in closed containers and away 
from children, pets and unauthorized personnel.  
 
 
9 Health management for aquatic animals  
 
Protection is the best measure to control and manage aqu atic animal health.  
 
Major factors which shall be considered in aquatic animal farming are management and environment. 
Improper management, such as too high stocking density, mismanagement in production system or 
farming in vulnerable environment such as climate fluctuation, polluted water, and accumulation of 
leftover feeds, will lead to stress and causing disease infection of the aquatic animals. Better 
management will result in better health to recover from sickness. Prevention and treatment of disease 
depend upon the cause of disease.  
  
Requirements for aquatic animal health management are given in 9.1 to 9.2.  
 
9.1 Pond  
 
9.1.1  Proper preparation of pond and equipment appropriate for culture can prevent disease. In 
particular, improper preparation of earthen pond used to rear the aquatic animals can cause diseases. 
Equipment shall be regularly cleaned because they may be in contact with the animals and cause 
infection, for instance, dirty feed container and leftover feed will be deteriorated and harbou r diseases. 
Wounded animal or animal wounded by scratching with container will be susceptible to the disease and 
become weak and finally infected.  
 
9.1.2  When the aquatic animals show abnormal sign, the causation shall be considered before 
applying veterin ary drugs or chemicals. After the cause is found, corrective actions on farm and 
environmental management and improvement shall be taken. For example, a lot of animals floating on 
the water surface in early morning indicate insufficient dissolved oxygen, t herefore aeration shall be 
carried out by using aerator or spraying water through the air down to the pond using electric pump. If 
there are other associated occurrences, such as dark green colour in the pond which indicates over DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
8 © ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  blooming of phytoplankton,  water exchange and reduction of the additional feed shall be undertaken. 
The farmer shall record the symptoms of aquatic animals and other analysis report, where possible, 
together with each corrective action for further diagnosis of the symptoms effectiv ely. 
 
9.1.3  Where necessary, registered veterinary drugs and chemicals shall be used. Prohibited 
veterinary drugs and chemicals shall not be used. The instruction on how to use them, especially the 
withdrawal period, shall be strictly followed. The use of veterinary drugs and chemicals shall be 
recorded each time and used under the advice of veterinarian or fishery officer with expertise in aquatic 
animal disease. Expired drugs shall not be used. Records shall be kept for at least two years.  
 
9.1.4  Nitrofur an, chloramphenical, and malachite green, etc., which are prohibited veterinary drugs 
and chemicals, shall not be used.  
 
9.1.5  Normally, immediate inspection for the cause of death shall be conducted but in the case of 
outbreak, where large number of death  occurred, the competent authority shall be promptly notified. 
Appropriate methods for carcass for example, burning, burying with the use of disinfectant or lime, etc. 
shall be used.  Water from the infected pond shall be disinfected and treated before dis charge.  
 
9.2 Cage  
 
9.2.1  Cage preparation is very important and necessary for culture such as cleaning and unblocking 
the mesh of cages to improve water circulation. If the cage has been used for diseased aquatic animals, 
the cage shall be disinfected by c horine, formaldehyde or potassium permanganate before reuse to 
prevent the spreading of disease. Cage setting location is also an important factor to be considered in 
order to prevent negative effect on the environment, and accumulation of feed leftover ar ound the cage.  
 
9.2.2   Cage and equipment shall be regularly cleaned throughout the culture process to allow water 
flow in and out at all times in order to remove the waste. In this case, the good condition for culture will 
be maintained at all time and wi ll encourage the animals to move and grow more rapidly.  
 
9.2.3   The aquatic animal’s health shall be regularly monitored and taken care of, together with 
checking water quality, for example random checking or observing the abnormal signs, namely floating 
on the water surface, imbalance swimming, anxious sign, and improper water quality, etc., shall be 
regularly done. In case of problems, diagnosis shall be conducted so that the corrective action can be 
appropriately taken prior to disease spread.  
 
9.2.4   When the aquatic animals show abnormal sign, the caus e shall be immediately identified and 
corrective actions on farm and environmental management and improvement shall be taken before 
applying veterinary drugs and chemicals. For example, if there is unusual  number of animals floating 
on the water surface, water quality shall be analyzed and the daily record of animals ’ health from the 
past week shall be checked in search for the cause of the problem. At the same time, the symptoms of 
aquatic animals and corr ective actions  taken shall be  implemented . In case of low level of dissolved 
oxygen, appropriate oxygenation methods should be applied, spraying water through the air, cage 
cleaning, and reducing feed shall be considered.  All observations and findings shall be recorded.  
 
9.2.5  Where necessary, registered veterinary drugs and chemicals shall be used. Prohibited 
veterinary drugs and chemicals shall not be used. The instruction on how to use them, especially the 
withdrawal period, shall be strictly followed. The use of veterinary d rugs and chemicals shall be 
recorded each time and used under the advice of veterinarian or fishery officer with expertise in aquatic 
animal disease. Expired drugs shall not be used. Records shall be kept for at least two years.  
 
9.2.6   Nitrofuran, chloram phenical, and malachite green, etc., which are prohibited veterinary drugs 
and chemicals shall not be used.  
 
9.2.7   Immediate inspection for the cause of death shall be conducted. Transfer of the aquatic 
animals, where necessary, shall be done carefully an d gently. In the case of outbreak, the competent 
authority, that is, veterinarian or fishery officer or local officer of the Department of Fisheries shall be 
immediately notified. Appropriate methods for carcass disposal, for example burning, burying with the 
use of disinfectant or lime, etc. shall be used. In such case, the wastewater from treating of infected 
animal shall be disinfected and treated before discharge.  DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  9  
10 Farm sanitation  
 
Cage and pond culture shall require good management including farm sa nitation as it is necessary for 
keeping good quality of aquatic products. Daily supervision of farm sanitation will facilitate farmer 
establishing farm standard in compliance with requirements in 10.1 and 10.2.  
 
10.1 Pond  
 
10.1.1  Discharge from household s hall be separated from farm in order to prevent contamination in 
the water system of the farm, or the release to the pond or farm nearby. For example, household 
discharge shall not be drained to the same furrow of farm water system or reservoir.  
 
10.1.2  Lavatory shall be completely separated from the farm area. Waste management system shall 
consider hygienic condition. It is needed to ensure that waste water cannot leak to the farm system. 
Bacteria contamination, a major cause of gastrointestinal disease, s hall be monitored by collecting 
water sample for analysis of coliform bacteria. Immediate response to such problem shall be conducted. 
The number of coliform bacteria shall not exceed 5,000 most probable number per 100 millimetres 
(MPN/100 ml), and the fae cal coliform bacteria shall not exceed the natural level. In case that the 
number of bacteria exceed the value specified by the standard, it is an indication of contamination of 
waste disposal from lavatory, household, or pets.  
 
10.1.3  Availability of prop er treatment system of aquaculture waste i.e. aquatic animal’s carcass, 
veterinary drug and chemical containers required for disposal method of burning or bury depending on 
type of waste.  
 
10.1.4  Tools used on farm shall be orderly arranged, clean, in hygi enic condition, and maintained to 
be ready for use. Workers’ housing, office, feed store, warehouse, feed preparation area, and buildings 
shall always be kept clean and well maintained.  
 
10.1.5  Good management system and routine collection for garbage are required. Trash bins shall 
have lids in order to prevent flies, rodents, cockroach, and pets. Garbage shall be correctly abolished 
in designated area using the proper method.  
 
10.2 Cage  
 
10.2.1  Lavatory shall be completely separated from the cage area. Sanitary condition shall be 
considered to ensure that waste will not leak and contaminate the system. In case that lavatory is 
located on land, sewage shall not be directly discharged or leaked to the cage area.  
 
10.2.2  Tools used on farm shall be orderly arranged, clean, in hygienic condition, and maintained to 
be ready for use. Workers’ housing, office, feed store, warehouse, feed preparation area, and buildings 
shall always be kept clean and well maintained.  
 
10.2.3  Garbage shall not be discarded to the cage area. Garbage collection area shall be properly 
arranged and well managed. Trash bins shall have lids in order to prevent flies, rodents, cockroach, 
and pets. Garbage shall be correctly abolished in designated area using the proper method.  
 
11 Harvest  and post -harvest practices  
 
Harvest is the final step in the aquaculture which is vital for maintaining quality of the products. As the 
aquatic products will be sold for human consumption, farmer shall therefore pay attention to the 
requirements in 11.1 t o 11.4.  
 
11.1 The farmer shall have a good harvest plan and rapid distribution emphasizing on freshness of 
the product and harvest of healthy aquatic products in order to keep premium quality. The good plan is 
also to avoid contamination of aquatic product s during harvest and post -harvest.  
 DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
10 © ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  11.2 The Movement Document (MD) issued  by the competent authorities  shall be made available to 
provide consumers or relevant stakeholders or processing its background information on the source of 
aquatic animal products for further consumption.  
 
11.3 During the process of freshwater aquaculture grow -out period in the pond  or cage, tissue sample 
of the aquaculture product shall be randomly checked by the authorized laboratory or well recognized 
institute accredited by an international standard organization at least once a year. The analyses are for 
the veterinary drugs and chemicals which are allowed and prohibited for use according to the official 
notification as well as bacteria causing the gastrointestinal disease. The prohibited veterinary drugs and 
chemicals shall not be found. The allowed veterinary drugs and chemicals  and bacteria causing the 
gastrointestinal disease shall not exceed the maximum limits specified by the standard.  
 
11.4 For good quality and safety of freshwater aquaculture product, guidelines for manag ement 
method  and maintenance  during  harvest and post -harvest process shall be as follows:  
 
11.4.1  During the aquaculture  harvesting , farmer shall not bring pets (for example, duck, chicken, cow, 
dog, cat, etc.) close to cultured pond or cage area. In case of using pet to protect farm’s asset s, farmer 
shall k eep their defaecated waste away from cultured area and frequently clean the area.  
 
11.4.2  Some freshwater aquaculture products may have problem with muddy taste such as in meat. 
The cause of muddy taste is mainly due to the accumulated consumption of blue -green algae in the 
pond.  
 
11.4.3  In order to reduce the blue -green algae in the water, compost shall not be used at least two 
months prior to harvest; additional feed or supplementary feed shall be provided, together with water 
exchange. However, the caut ion shall be emphasized on over -feeding of supplementary feed because 
accumulated feed is a source of blue -green algae blooming.  
 
11.4.4  Muddy taste in the meat shall be determined by tasting the steamed fish sample without 
seasoning. If the meat does not contain muddy taste, the product can be sold.  
 
11.4.5  Prior to selling product, feeding shall be stopped one day before harvest for self -adjustment 
and defaecation of the aquatic animals. This way, quality and freshness of the aquatic product can be 
kept d uring transportation as well as can prolong rotting.  
 
11.4.6  The personnel handling and relating to aquaculture animal shall be healthy and has no 
infectious diseases which are not accepted by the consumers. Worker(s) who has been infected shall 
take leave  and return to work after recovery.  
 
11.4.7  Tools, equipment, and harvesting method shall not cause negative effect to the quality of 
aquatic animal and post -harvest storage as well as cause contamination affecting food safety. 
Harvested products shall not  be directly contacted on the ground.  
 
11.4.8  Equipment used with aquatic animals e.g. media immersing and transporting, etc. shall be clean 
and made of strong materials withstanding corrosion; and be in good condition and ready for use. After 
work, all equipment shall be immediately cleaned and stored so as not to harbour the microbes.  
 
11.4.9  Clean and chemical -free ice shall be used. Reuse of the ice is not recommended. Aquatic 
transport shall be designed in order to prevent heat during the transportat ion. Area for transferring the 
aquatic product shall be made of materials easy to be cleaned, preventing dust, and avoiding moisture 
losses caused by sunlight and wind. Transportation of products shall not be with other commodities.  
 
11.4.10  In case of tra nsporting harvested aquatic animals, they shall be chilled immediately after 
harvest to maintain freshness as much as possible. The use of ground or flake ices is recommended 
because smaller size of ice has larger contact surface with the product, thus can  chill the product faster. 
Water used for cleaning aquatic animals shall be clean and not be reused. For best quality, pack the 
product in appropriate -size container after putting the ice at the bottom. Then the product shall be 
packed in alternate layers with ice to preserve the quality and freshness of the aquatic animal.  
 DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  11 11.4.11  In case of transporting live aquatic animals, container used during transport shall be designed 
for heat protection. Aeration shall be used during the transportation. Area for t ransporting aquatic 
product shall be made of materials easy to be cleaned and preventing dust. During transportation, the 
use of ice is recommended in order to numb the aquatic animal and reduce the damages that may 
occur. However, the temperature shall no t be too low that can cause injury to the animal. Injured, 
infected, or dead aquatic animals shall not be included in the transporting container. They shall be 
separated from the healthy animal and other species during the transportation to reduce the poss ibility 
of contamination.  
 
12 Record s keeping  
 
To ensure that the aquaculture management system can be efficiently implemented and improved from 
time to time, any person or establishment engaged in commercial aquaculture production should keep 
records rela ting to measures in place to control hazards and health related problems including records 
on species quantities and their sources, analysis result of residues from laboratory, Fry Movement 
Document (FMD) and/or Movement Document (MD).nature and origin of feeds, feeding methods and 
quantities, fertilizers, veterinary drugs, treatment regimens and occurrence of diseases analytical 
results for water, soil, fish and feeds, and veterinary drugs.  
 
These records shall be kept on the farm for at least a period of  two years.  
 
  DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
12 © ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved   
Annex  A 
(normative)  
 
Requirements and inspection methods  
 
A.1 General  
 
Good Aquacultur al Practices for freshwater aquatic animal are as given in Table A.1. 
 
Table A.1 — Requirements and inspection methods  
 
Item Requirement  Inspection  method  Compliance level  
 
1. Site 
 
1.1 Pond  1.1.1 Farm shall be regi stered 
with t he relevant 
authority  1.1.1  Check the farm 
registration  
docu ment(s)  Major requirement  
1.1.2 Pond shall be located at 
least 100 m from polluted 
sources  1.1.2 Visual inspection for  
the risk of pollution  Minor requirement  
1.1.3 Availability of good water 
inlet and outl et system  1.1.3 Visual inspection of 
the system  of water 
inlet and outlet and 
the design of water 
supply a mong 
ponds to prevent 
cross conta mination  Major requirement  
1.1.4 Access from  both outside 
and inside the farm to 
facilitate farm operation 
and transportation of the 
produce  1.1.4 Visual inspection  Major requirement  
1.1.5  Essential in frastructure 
shall be available  1.1.5 Visual inspection  Minor requirement  
1.2 Cage  1.2.1 Farm  shall be regi stered 
with t he relevant 
authority  1.2.1  Check the farm 
registration  
docu ment(s).  Major requirement  
1.2.2 Farm  shall be located in 
an area of which water  
quality is suita ble for 
freshwater aquatic 
animal culture.  1.2.2 Check water quality 
or recor d of water 
analy sis. Major requirement  
1.2.3   Farm  shall be kept 
distance to  polluted 
sources  1.2.3 Visual inspection of 
farm surroundings.  Major requirement  
1.2.4 Access from  both outside 
and inside the farm to 
facilitate farm operation 
and transportation of the 
produce  1.2.4 Visual inspection.  Major requirement  
1.2.5  Essential in frastructure 
shall be available  1.2.5 Visual inspection.  Minor requirement  
1.2.6 Per mit shall be granted 
for cage far ming and 1.2.6  Check  the 
permission docu ment Major requirement  DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  13 Item Requirement  Inspection  method  Compliance level  
 
cage shall be set in the 
permitted area  
1.2.7 Cages shall not obstru ct 
the water flow and water 
way transp ortation 1.2.7  Inspection of the 
cage lo cation and 
water flow  Major requirement  
2. General 
manag ement 
 
2.1 Pond  2.1.1  Operate accor ding to the 
technical requirements 
of relevant authorities  2.1.1 Interview fa rmers. Minor requirement  
2.1.2  Availability of farm 
location and layout  2.1.2  Check map and 
layout  Major requirement  
2.1.3  Effluent shall be 
complied with r elevant 
laws and regulations  2.1.3 Check the result of 
effluent test  Major requirement  
2.1.4 Attend technical meeting 
or training program  on 
farm manag ement, use
 of production inputs, 
harvesting, and relevant 
laws, and regulations  2.1.4  Check evidence of 
the meeting or 
training  Major requirement  
2.2 Cage  2.2.1 Operate accor ding to the 
technical requirements  2.2.1 Interview fa rmers Major requirement  
 
2.2.2  Availabil ity of farm 
location and layout  2.2.2  Check map and 
layout  Major requirement  
2.2.3 Surface area of the site 
shall not exceed t he 
permitted a rea gra nted 
by the relevant authority  2.2.3  Inspection of the 
permitted a rea 
granted by the 
Department of 
Fisheries  Major requirement  
2.2.4 Attend technical meeting 
or training program  on 
farm manag ement, use 
of production inputs, 
harvesting, and relevant 
laws, and regulations  2.2.4  Check evidence of 
the meeting or 
training  Major requirement  
3. Inputs  3.1 Healthy and non - 
infectious fry shall be used  3.1 Check fry purchasing 
record  Major requirement  
3.2 Availability of fry 
movement docu ment 
(FMD)  3.2 Check the copy of  
FMD  Major requirement  
3.3 Use feed, feed supple ment 
and vita mins regi stered 
with t he co mpetent 
authority (in case such 
inputs are subject to 
registration) and valid date 
of expiration  3.3 Check label of feed, 
feed supple ment and 
vitamins Major requirement  
3.4 Any inputs other than  3.3 
shall be free from 
conta mination  3.4 Check the test report.  Major requirement  
3.5 In case the feed is 
prepared on the far m, feed 
ingredients shall be free 
from veterinary drugs and 3.5 Check the test report  Major requirement  DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
14 © ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  Item Requirement  Inspection  method  Compliance level  
 
legally prohibited 
substances  
3.6 Feed prepared on the fa rm 
shall meet  
 hygienic require ments 
and be safe for aquatic 
animals and consu mers 3.6.1  Visual inspection of 
feed preparation.  
3.6.2  Check the record of 
feed preparation  Major requirement  
3.7 Feed prepared on the fa rm 
shall meet nutrie nt 
require ments of target 
aquatic ani mal 3.7.1  Inspection of the feed 
ingredients  
 
3.7.2  Check the report of 
feed quality analy sis 
(if any)  Minor  require ment 
3.8 All inputs shall be safely 
and appropriately stored in 
good hygienic condition  3.8 Visual inspection of the 
input storage Major require ment 
4. Health  
manag ement 
 
4.1 Pond  4.1.1  Pond and equip ment shall 
be properly prepared to 
preve nt the introd uction  of 
aquatic ani mal diseases  4.1.1.1 Visual inspection  
4.1.1.2  Check the record of 
the pond and 
equip ment 
preparation  Minor require ment 
4.1.2  In case where aquatic 
animal shows any 
abnor mal sympto m, 
manag ement measure 
shall be tak en into 
conside ration prior to 
applying veterinary drugs 
and che micals. 
Preliminary  diagnosis 
shall be carried out, 
including corrective action 
and records  4.1.2.1  Check the record of 
corrective actio ns 
in case  where  
aquatic  animal 
shows any 
abnor mal symptom  
 
4.1.2.2  Check the record of 
farming activity on 
daily basis  Major require ment 
4.1.3  If sick aquatic ani mal is 
found and veterinary 
drugs or che mical 
treatment is necessary, 
apply only registered 
veterinary drugs or 
chemicals, and strictly 
follow the instr uction on 
the la bel 4.1.3  Check the record of 
the use of veterinary 
drugs and che micals 
including withdrawal 
period  
 
Check the application 
record of veterinary 
drugs and che mical Major requirement  
 Check the application 
record of veterinary 
drugs and che mical  
4.1.5  In case of disease 
outbreak, far mer shall 
immediately in form the 
competent authority and 
appropriately  manage  the 
carcass and water 
discharge  4.1.5.1  Check the record of 
corrective actio ns 
in case of disease 
outbreak  
4.1.5.2  Check the record of 
the carca ss and 
water discharge  
manage ment Major require ment DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  15 Item Requirement  Inspection  method  Compliance level  
 
4.2 Cage  4.2.1  Cage shall be properly  
and appropriately 
prepared and installed  to 
preve nt environ mental 
impact and disease 
outbreak 4.2.1  Check the record of 
cage pre paration and 
installation 
 
4.2.2  Visual inspection of 
cage lo cation Major require ment 
4.2.2  Cage and equip ment 
shall be periodically 
cleaned throughout the 
production process  4.2.2.1 Check the record of 
the cage cleaning  Major requirement  
4.2.3  The health of aquatic 
animal shall be regularly 
monitored and taken care 
of 4.2.3.1 Interview far mers 
 
4.2.3.2  Check the record of 
health 
manage ment Major require ment 
4.2.4  In case where aquatic 
animal shows abnor mal 
sympto m, appropriate  
corrective actio ns shall be 
carried out im mediately  4.2.4  Check the record of 
corrective actions in 
case where aquatic 
animal shows 
abnor mal symptom  Major require ment 
4.2.5  If sick aquatic ani mal is 
found and veterinary 
drugs or che mical 
treatment is necessary, 
apply only registered 
veterinary drugs or 
chemicals2, and strictly 
follow the instr uction on 
the la bel 4.2.5  Check the record of 
the use of veterinary 
drugs and che micals 
including withdrawal 
period  Major require ment 
4.2.6  Prohibited veterinary 
drugs and che micals shall 
not be used  4.2.6.1 Visual inspection  
 
4.2.6.2  Check the 
application record 
of veterinary drugs 
and che micals Major require ment 
4.2.7  In case of disease 
outbreak, far mer shall 
immediately in form the 
competent authority and 
appropriately  manage  the 
carcass  4.2.7.1  Check the record of 
corrective actio ns 
in case of disease 
outbreak  
4.2.7.2  Check the record of 
the carca ss 
manag ement Major require ment 
5. Farm  sanitation  
 
5.1 Pond  5.1.1  Household discharge 
shall be separ ated from 
the cult ure pond  5.1.1 Visual inspection  Major require ment 
5.1.2  Toilet shall be 
hygienically designed in 
separated area and 
prevent possibility of 
sewage conta mination to 
culture pond  5.1.2 Visual inspection  Major require ment DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
16 © ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  Item Requirement  Inspection  method  Compliance level  
 
5.1.3  Availability of sanitary 
system  for waste disposal 
from the culture for 
example,  carcass  5.1.3.1 Visual inspection  
 
5.1.3.2  Check the record of 
waste disposal 
manag ement Major require ment 
5.1.4  Equip ment and tools shall 
be orderly stored, clean, 
in hygienic manner and 
proper maintenance for 
use 5.1.4 Visual inspection  Minor require ment 
5.1.5  Availability of good 
manag ement of waste 
disposal to prevent  fly, 
rodent and cockroach as 
well as pet digging  5.1.5  Visual inspection of 
the manage ment of 
waste disposal  Minor require ment 
5.2 Cage  5.2.1  Toilet shall be 
hygienically designed in 
separated area and 
prevent possibility of 
sewage conta mination to 
cage locati on 5.2.1 Visual inspection  Major require ment 
5.2.2  Equip ment and tools shall 
be orderly stored, clean, 
in hygienic manner and 
proper maintenance for 
use 5.2.2 Visual inspection  Minor require ment 
5.2.3 No littering of garbage or 
waste in the area of cage 
location. It shall be 
properly discarded or 
destroyed.  5.2.3  Visual inspection of 
the manage ment of 
waste disposal  Minor require ment 
6. Harvest and post -
harvest handlings  6.1 Availability of harvesting 
plan 6.1 Check the harvesting 
plan document.  Minor require ment 
6.2 Availability of Move ment 
Docu ment (MD)  6.2 Check the copy of 
movement docu ment Major require ment 
6.3 Veterinary drugs or 
chemical re sidues shall not 
be found or excee ded the 
maximum residue li mits 6.3 Check the test report of 
residues of veterinary 
drugs and che micals Major require ment 
6.4 Availability of good 
manag ement and hygienic 
handlings of  aquatic ani mal 
during harvest and post -
harvest in order to obtain 
good quality and safe 
product for consu mers 6.4 Check the record of 
manag ement and 
handlings during 
harvest and post -
harvest  Minor r equire ment 
7. Record keeping  7. Important data shall be 
recor ded at all stages of 
production and regularly 
updated  7. Check data recorded  Minor require ment 
 
A.2 Judgment criteria  
 
Judgments for inspection decision are as follows:  DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved  17  
A.2.1  All of the “major  requirement” level shall be complied.  
 
A.2.2  All of the “minor” level shall be complied not less than 60%. The improvement up to 80% shall 
be fulfilled within 2 years.  
 
 
 
  DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
18 © ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved   
 
Bibliography  
 
Aquatic Health Code , World Organisation for Animal   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acknowledgment and appreciation  
 
This African Standard was harmonized under the project titled:  
 
Harmonization of African Standards for Agriculture and Food Products  
June 2015 — August 2018  
 
financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB)  through the African Trade Fund (AfTra)  
Programme. ARSO acknowledges and appreciates this support on behalf of its Member States.  
 DARS 1107:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved