EU issues yellow card over illegal fishing

During the yellow card period, Vietnam will have 100 percent of its shipments to the EU held for inspection. The process will take up to four weeks and some $675 per container, not to mention storage expenses charged by seaports.

Furthermore, any yellow-carded country will continue to experience a higher rate of rejection by customs of other markets such as the US.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, the yellow card status will seriously damage Vietnam's seafood exports to the EU and potentially other important markets such as the US.

Vietnam is given six months to take the necessary corrective measures. If not, a red card will be given, meaning the country is banned from exporting its seafood to the European Union.