The Minister of Agriculture, Luis Ramon Rodriguez, has banned imports of all shrimp from China, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Thailand, Bangladesh and Mexico, due to fears of Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS).
Imports of shrimp both cooked and live has been banned in order to prevent EMS from entering the country.
Mr Rodriguez noted that imports will still continue from countries, such as America, that can guarantee they are free of EMS.
The measure is covered by Law No. 307-04 of Fisheries and Agriculture, establishing effective measures to prevent the extinction of certain marine species, ensuring food and health protection.
